2017
Outline of the National Institutes
for Cultural Heritage

CONTENTS
To mark the 10th anniversary ofits establishment, the NICH has
adoptedanewlogo.
Logoconcept:“Linkage”
The logo design combines knotted
cordswithashaperesemblingtheDNAdoublehelix.
The “knotted cords” represent
l i n k a g e  b e t w e e n  p e o p l e  a n dcultures (i.e. cultural heritage),
whilethe“DNA”representslinkage
between past, present and future(i.e.culturaltransmission).
T h e  l o g o  r e p r e s e n t s  t h e  c o r e
mission of the NICH, which is to
foster an in-depth understanding
of “cultural DNA” and transmit
awareness of the importance of
cultural heritage to people all overtheworld.

CoverPhotos
TokyoNationalMuseum:
Caricatures of Animals and Humans,
S c r o l l  A ,  S e g m e n t ,  I m p o r t a n tCulturalProperty,HeianPeriod,12th
century
KyotoNationalMuseum:View of Amanohashidate, National
Treasure, Muromachi Period, 16th
century

Message����������������������������1Ⅰ
Ⅱ

OutlineoftheNationalInstitutesforCulturalHeritage���2
ProjectsoftheNationalInstitutesforCulturalHeritage ��5

Ⅲ

ActivitiesofEachInstitution����������������8

Ⅳ

ReferenceMaterials ������������������� 22１

 reservation and Transmission of Tangible Cultural Properties, andP
Utilization of Cultural Properties to Disseminate Japan’s History
and Traditional Culture Nationally and Internationally��������� 5（１）
CollectionandPreservationofTangibleCulturalProperties,and
TransmissionofTangibleCulturalPropertiestoFutureGenerations ��������������������������� 5▪Acquisition▪ConservationandRestoration（２）Exhibitions���������������������������� 5▪Exhibitions▪NumberofVisitors（３）Education ���������������������������� 6（４）Research on the Collection, Preservation, and Exhibition of
Tangible Cultural Properties (Namely fine and applied arts),
andeducationalactivities �������������������� 6（５）ContributiontoMuseum-relatedActivitiesinJapanandAbroad� 6
２ Implementing Research and Collaborative Projects for the Protectionof Cultural Properties and Overseas Cultural Heritage �������� 6（１）ResearchLeadingtoNewldeas ����������������� 6（２）BasicResearchfortheImprovementofResearchand
DevelopmentUtilizingScienceandTechnology ��������� 7（３）InternationalCollaborationRelatingtothePreservationof
CulturalHeritage������������������������� 7（４）Collecting and Collating Information Relating to Cultural
Properties, and Publicizing and Utilizing the Results of Surveys
and Research �������������������������� 7（５）ProvisionofTrainingfor,andCollaborationwith,Local

NaraNationalMuseum:
SutraofGoldenLight,9thfascicle
(Kokubunji-kyo), National Treasure,Naraperiod,8thcentury
KyushuNationalMuseum:Tenmoku Bowl with Oil-spot
Pattern, Important Cultural
Property, Southern Song period
(China),12th-13thcentury
TokyoNationalResearchInstitute for
CulturalProperties:
Demonstration of restoring a hand
scroll at the International Course
onConservationofJapanesePaper
Nara National Research InstituteforCulturalProperties:
I n v e s t i g a t i o n  o f  t h e  n o r t h e r nSanctuary, Western Prasat Top,
CambodiaInternational Research Centre for
Intangible Cultural Heritage in theAsia-PacificRegion(IRCI):W o r k s h o p  o n  S t u d y  o f  L e g a l
Systems Related to Intangible
Cultural Heritage in the GreaterMekongRegion(Hanoi,VietNam)

GovernmentAuthoritiesinRelationtoCulturalProperties ���� 7

TokyoNationalMuseum����������������������� 8
KyotoNationalMuseum���������������������� 10
NaraNationalMuseum ���������������������� 12
KyushuNationalMuseum��������������������� 14
TokyoNationalResearchInstitutefor
CulturalProperties ������������������������ 16
NaraNationalResearchInstitutefor
CulturalProperties ������������������������ 18
InternationalResearchCentreforIntangible
CulturalHeritageintheAsia-PacificRegion（IRCI） ������� 20

Directors/SpecialAdvisoryBoard/
ExternalEvaluationBoard
NumberofStaff
OrganizationalChart
BudgetIncomefromExternalSources
InformationaboutDonationsandMembership������������� 24
FinancialDonationsandCulturalPropertyDonations
Membership
VenueRental
DiversifyingVisitorExperiences

Message
MATSUMURA Keiji
President
Independent Administrative Institution
National Institutes for Cultural Heritage,
Director General, Nara National Research Institutefor Cultural Properties
The National Institutes for Cultural Heritage (NICH) came into being in 2007 through the
integration of four National Museums (Tokyo National Museum, Kyoto National Museum, Nara
National Museum, and Kyushu National Museum) and two National Research Institutes for
Cultural Properties (Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, and Nara National
Research Institute for Cultural Properties). With the addition of the International ResearchCentre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region (IRCI) in 2011, the NICH
now comprises seven institutions. This booklet presents an overview of the activities being
undertaken by these seven institutions. This year marks an important milestone: the 10th
anniversary of the founding of the NICH. The NICH has succeeded in developing into a group of
institutions that lives up to its name by playing a key role in the preservation of Japan’s cultural
heritage; at the same time, each individual institution within the NICH continues to embody its
own unique characteristics in the carrying out of its operations.
Implementation of the NICH’s Fourth Medium-term Plan began in 2016. During theimplementation period, Japan will be hosting several major events, including ICOM KYOTO 2019
and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, which are expected to heighten international
interest in Japanese culture. The NICH will be working to ensure that ICOM KYOTO 2019 is a
resounding success, while also making full use of this opportunity to actively spread awareness―both within Japan and overseas―of the richness of Japan’s history and its multi-faceted
traditional culture, as well as to further invigorate museum activities, and foster a more mature
understanding of the importance of cultural heritage preservation. To this end, we will be
adopting an approach to the management of the NICH museums that makes them fascinating,enjoyable places to visit, for example through the promotion of a multilingual environment, theprovision of flexible exhibition-viewing opportunities, etc., as well as redoubling our efforts toprovide high-quality services, for example, by ensuring that research outcomes are presented ina way that makes them readily understandable for both Japanese and international visitors.
Based on Japan’s experience with the Kumamoto Earthquakes of 2016 and the Great East
Japan Earthquake of 2011, it is clear that some of the most urgent tasks for the NICH include
the examination of technical issues relating to the prevention or mitigation of damage to cultural
heritage in the event of a large-scale natural disaster, the establishment of a nationwide system
for rescuing cultural heritage from the impact of natural disasters, and the promotion of surveys
and research relating to the long-term handling of rescued cultural heritage and restoration andrepair methods. To this end, I believe that it is important for the NICH to make an effort to further
strengthen our coordination and collaboration with relevant agencies, including the Agency for
Cultural Affairs, and to implement measures aimed at furthering the development of a cultural
heritage disaster prevention network.
Cultural properties are historical and cultural heritage that present the foundations of ourcountry. To help ensure that these priceless cultural properties are properly preserved andutilized, so that they can be passed down to future generations, the NICH will continue to strive
for further progress in regard to the collection, safeguarding and display of cultural properties,
as well as in the undertaking of related surveys and research, and the dissemination of related
information. We look forward to receiving your continued support into the future.

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 20171

Ⅰ Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage
The Independent Administrative Institution (IAI), National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, was formed in April 2007 through themerging of the IAI National Museums (Tokyo National Museum, Kyoto National Museum, Nara National Museum, and Kyushu
National Museum) and the IAI National Research Institutes for Cultural Properties (Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural
Properties, and Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties), all of which share the same mission: the conservation
and utilization of cultural properties. With the addition of the International Research Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the
Asia-Pacific Region, which was established in October 2011, the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage now comprise a totalof seven individual institutions.
Japan’s cultural properties are the precious assets of the Japanese people. In order to preserve and utilize these properties
more effectively and efficiently under unified management, each of the seven existing institutions plays the following roles;

Tokyo National Museum

Kyoto National Museum

Nara National Museum

As Japan’s foremost museum in thehumanities field, Tokyo National Museum collects, preserves, manages,
and displays cultural properties fromacross Japan and other Asian regions,while also conducting research and providing educational programs.

Kyoto National Museum collects,preserves, manages, and displays
cultural properties, while also
conducting research and providing
educational programs. The focus ison works from the Heian period to
the Edo period. a time when Kyoto
was the capital of Japan.

Nara National Museum collects, preserves, manages, and displays culturalproperties, while also conducting research and providing education programs. The focus is Buddhist art andthe cultural properties of Nara.

Kyushu National Museum

Tokyo National Research Institutefor Cultural Properties

Nara National Institute forCultural Properties

Tokyo National Research Institute forCultural Properties conducts research
on Japanese cultural properties, utilizing
a variety of methods. In addition to publicizing and utilizing the results of thisresearch, as an International Center forcooperation, the institute also facilitates
global research into the protection ofcultural properties.

Located near the Nara Palace site,
Nara National Research Institute forCultural Properties conducts excavation
and research projects related to theconservation and utilization of Cultural
heritage such as sites. buildings andgardens, as well as cultural properties,
preserved at major temples and shrines in
the Nara and Kinki regions. The institutealso provides advice and cooperates forresearch projects conductied acrossJapan.

Kyushu National Museum collects,preserves, manages, and displays cultural properties, while also conducting
research and providing educational programs. The focus is on cultural assets
related to Japan’s cultural exchanges
with other Asian regions.

International Research Centre for Intangible
Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region
This institution facilitates research forsafeguarding endangered intangible cultural heritage (ICH) in the Asia-Pacificregion, and collects and disseminates
information relating to international
trends in the safeguarding of ICH.

Tokyo National Museum

Access▲ To JRUguisudani
StationInternational
Library ofChildren’s
Literature
KurodaMemorial Hall◀To Tokyo
Metro Nezu
Station13-9 Ueno Park,

West
Gate

TOKYO NATIONAL
MUSEUM
Main Gate

Tokyo Metropolitan
Art Museum

Taito-ku, Tokyo, 110-8712
http://www.tnm.jp/

Fountain
Police Box

Ueno park
Ueno Zoo

National Museumof Western Art
Tokyo Metropolitan
Festival HallPark Exit
To Keisei Ueno Station ▼JR UenoStationPhone: +81-3-3822-1111

National Science
MuseumTokyo Metro
Ueno Station

10 min. walk from the Ueno Park Exit of JR Ueno Station orfrom the South Exit of JR Uguisudani Station
15 min. walk from Ueno Station or Nezu Station (Tokyo Metro),
or from Keisei Ueno Station (Keisei Electric Railway Keisei Line)

Visitor Information

Hours: 9:30–17:00 (Last entry 30 min. before closing)
Fridays, Saturdays and November 2 (Thurs.): open until 21:00
Weekends and holidays (Apr.–Sept.: open until 18:00)
Open until 22:00 on Sept. 22 (Fri.) and 23 (Sat., and also a national holiday)
Closed: Mondays (If Monday is a national holiday, the museum will be open on that
Monday and closed on the following Tuesday)(The Museum will be open on April 3 (Mon.), May 1 (Mon.), Aug. 14 (Mon.),
Oct. 10 (Tues.), and Dec. 25 (Mon.), and on March 26 (Mon.), 2018)
December 26–January 1 for year-end holidays
Opening hours and the days on which the Museum is closed are subject
to change due to Special Exhibitions and events.

2

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2017

Admission: Adults: 620 (520) yen
University Students: 410 (310) yen※( ) indicate prices for those in groups of 20 or more.
※Additional charge is required for special exhibitions※Persons with disabilities and one accompanying person are
admitted free.
※Persons over 70 and under 18 are admitted free to regularexhibitions.
※Admission to regular exhibitions is free on International Museum Day (May 18 or the following day if it falls on a Monday)
and the Respect for the Aged Day (the third Monday of September).

605-0931 Japan
Phone: +81-75-541-1151
http://www.kyohaku.go.jp/

JR Kyoto
Station

Kintetsu
Kyoto Line

Visitor Information

Collection Galleries Hours: 9:30–17:00
Hours: 9:30–18:00, extended to 20:00 on Fridays andSpecial Exhibitions
Saturdays(Open until 21:00 on Fridays and Saturdays in July, August and September)(Admission ends 30 minutes before closing)
Closed: Mondays (when Monday is a national holiday, the museum remains open on
Monday and closes the following Tuesday); During the year-end and New
Year holiday period in late December and early January; Please note that theCollection Galleries may be closed while Special Exhibitions are being
prepared or dismantled.

Kennin-ji
TempleHigasStre hioji
etKaw
Stre abata
et
Yam
atoo
Stre
ji
et

River

Kaw
Stre aramachietKarasuma
StreetShichijo
StreetKeih
Railwanay

Higashi Hongan-ji
TempleKamo

527 Chaya-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto

HokokuShrineKyoto National
Museumijo
Shichon
Stati

Gojo Street

Subway Karasuma Line

Horikawa
StreetKyoto National Museum

AccessChishaku-in
TempleSanjusangendo
TempleJR Tokaido Line
Shinkansen Line

JR Nara Line

Transportation: By JR or Subway: Get off at Kyoto Station, From bus platform D1 take City
Bus #100 or from bus platform D2, take City Bus #206 or #208. Get off
at “Hakubutsukan Sanjusangendo-mae” bus stop, in front of the museum.
By Keihan Railway: Get off at Shichijo Station. Walk east along Shichijo(Nanajo) Street for about seven minutes to the museum.
By Kintetsu Railway: Get off at Tanbabashi Station and transfer to Keihan
Railway From Keihan Tanbabashi Station take a Demachyanagi-bound train
to Shichijo Station. Walk east along Shichijo (Nanajo)Street for about sevenminutes to the museum.
By Hankyu Railway: Get off at Kawaramachi Station. Walk east over thebridge to the Keihan Railway Gion Shijo Station. Take on Osaka-bound Keihan train to Shichijo Station. Walk east along Shichijo(Nanajo) Street for aabout seven minutes to the museum.
Parking: The museum has limited parking at an hourly rate. Please use
public transportation whenever possible.
Admission: General: 520 (410) yen, University students: 260 (210) yen※Prices in parentheses are for groups of 20 or more
※Free admission for seniors (70 and older) and children (under 17 or high school
students)※Free admission (to all exhibitions) for disabled pass holders and one assistant※An additional charge is required for special exhibitions※Different admission prices will apply during the periods when the Heisei
Chishinkan Wing is closed.

Nara National Museum

AccessTodaiji
TempleN
W

Himuro Jinja 卍
NaraShrinePrefectural
Office underpass

E
S
Kintetsu
Nara Station

50 Noborioji-cho, Nara City

Noborioji Street

Kohfukuji
Temple 卍
Sanjo Street

JR
Sta Naration

Nara Prefecture 630-8213
Phone: +81-742-22-7771
http://www.narahaku.go.jp/

KasugaTaisha Shrine

Nara National Museum卍

Gangoji
TempleVisitor Information

Hours: 9:30–17:00 (Last admission is 30 minutes before closing)
Extended opening hours:
・Fridays and Saturdays (excluding Dec. 29 and 30), and Setsubun festival (Feb. 3): open
until 20:00
Occasionally during Seasonal events in the Nara area
*Extended opening hours may be arranged for Special Exhibitions (including joint exhibitions); this will vary depending on the exhibition.
Closed: Mondays (except when National Holidays fall on Mondays, in which case the museum is
open on the holiday and closed the day after the holidays (excluding Feb. 13), and on New
Year’s Day (January 1)
Please see the Museum website for up-to-date information.

(Kintetsu Line) 15 min. from Kintetsu Nara Station(City Loop Bus) “Shinai Junkan” from JR or Kintetsu Nara
Station to ”Himuro Jinja / Kokuritsu Hakubutsukan” bus stop
Admission: Adults: 520 (410) yen
University Students: 260 (210) yen※( ) indicates prices for those in groups of 20 or more
※An additional charge is required for special exhibitions※Free admission (to all exhibitions) for disabled pass holders and one assistant※Free admission (Exhibition from the Permanent Collection) for seniors (70and older) and children (under 17 or high school students)※Free admission to Exhibition from the Permanent Collection on Children’s Day(May 5), International Museum Day (May 18 or the following day if it falls on a
Monday), Respect for the Aged Day (the third Monday of September), Kansai
Culture Day, On-Matsuri Festival Owatari-shiki parade, and Setsubun (February 3)

Kyushu National Museum

Access35

Dazaifu Tenmangu
Shrine4-7-2, Ishizaka, Dazaifu City, Fukuoka
Prefecture, 818-0118
http://www.kyuhaku.com/

Visitor Information

Hours: Sunday, and Tuesday–Thursday: 9:30–17:00 (Last admission at 16:30)
Friday and Saturday: 9:30–20:00 (Last admission at 19:30)
Closed on Mondays (except for National Holidays that fall on Mondays, in which case the museum is
open on the holiday and closed the following Tuesday), and during the Year-end holidays

The Cultural Exchange Exhibition（Permanent Exhibition）

Admission: Adults: 430 (220) yen
University students: 130 (70) yen※( ) indicate group prices (for paying visitors in groups of 20 or more)※An additional charge is required for special exhibitions※Free admission for individual with disability certificate and one caretaker※Free admission to the Cultural Exchange Exhibition (permanent exhibition) for individuals 70
years or older, under 18 years old, or who are high school students and below※Free admission to the Cultural Exchange Exhibition on International Museum Day (May 18 or
the following day if it falls on Monday) and Respect for the Aged Day

Nishitetsu
Dazaifu
StationNis
Da hitetzaif suuL
ine

Phone: +81-92-918-2807¯¯
Komyozenji
TempleKyushuNational
Museum76
Chikushino-Dazaifu LineBy rail:

Nishitetsu rail line: From Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station, takethe Nishitetsu Tenjin Omuta Line to Nishitetsu Futsukaichi Station(approximately 13 minutes on the Limited Express, 17 minutes on
an Express train), and transfer to the Nishitetsu Dazaifu Line (approximately 5 minutes) and get off at Nishitetsu Dazaifu Station.
Approximately 10 minutes walk from Nishitetsu Dazaifu Station.
*No extra charge is required for taking the Limited Express or Express train.
Jr rail line: From JR Hakata Station, take the JR Kagoshima Chuo Line (approximately 15 minutes on the Rapid train) and get off at Jr Futsukaichi Station. Transfer to Nishitetsu Futsukaichi Station by foot(12 min. ) or bus (5 min. ) .Take the Nishitetsu Dazaifu Line and get
off at Nishitetsu Dazaifu Station.
By car:By Kyushu Expressway, approximately 20 minutes drive from either
Dazaifu I.C. or Chikushino I.C. via Takao Intersection. By Fukuoka Urban Expressway, approximately 20 minutes drive from Mizuki exit
via Takao Intersection
By taxi: Approximately 15 minutes from JR Futsukaichi Station, or 30 minutes from Fukuoka Airport.
By Nishitetsu bus: From Hakata Bus Terminal (Bus Stop No. 11) take the bus
to Dazaifu and get off at Nishitetsu Dazaifu Station (journey time is approximately 40 minutes). From the Station, it
is approximately 10 minutes walk to the Museum.

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 20173

Tokyo National Research Institute forCultural Properties
卍 Kaneiji

JR Uguisudani
StationtempleShinobugaoka
Junior High School

Ueno juniorHigh School

Tokyo National
Research Institute forCultural Properties

International Library ofchildren’s Literature

TOKYO NATIONAL
MUSEUM

Kuroda Memorial Hall

(JR Line) 10 min. from the South Exit of Uguisudani Station,
15 min. from the Ueno Park Exit of Ueno Station(Ginza or Hibiya Tokyo Metro Line) 20 min. from Ueno Station(Chiyoda Tokyo Metro Line) 20 min. from Nezu Station(Keisei Line) 20 min. from Keisei Ueno Station

The University
Art Museum-Tokyo
University of the Arts

Tokyo Metropolitan
Art Museum

National Science
MuseumUeno park

National Museumof Western Art
Ueno Zoo

Tokyo Metropolitan
Festival Hall

To Tokyo Station

http://www.toubunken.go.jp/

JR UenoStation←To Ikebukuro
Station↑Phone: +81-3-3823-2241

AccessPark Exit

13-43 Ueno Park,Taito-ku,Tokyo, 110-8713

Nara National Research Institute for Cultural
Properties
AccessNara facilities

Asuka and Fujiwara sites

JR-WestＮara Sta.

(Kintetsu Line) 10 min. from Yamato Saidaiji Station
to the institute and the Nara Palace Site Museum(Nara Kotsu Bus from JR and Kintetsu Nara Stations)
3 min. from Nijocho stop to the Nara Palace Site
MuseumVisitor Information●Nara Palace Site Museum
Hours: 9:00-16:30 (Admission free; last admission at 16:00)
Closed: Mondays (except when National Holidays fall on Mondays, in which case themuseum is open on the holiday and closed the following day instead) and over
the New Year period
Note: Free guided tours by volunteers available
hone: 0742-30-6753 (Collaboration Promotion Division)●Exhibition Room of Fujiwara Palace Site
Hours: 9:00-16:30 (Free admission)
Closed: During the New Year period and exhibition renewal periods
Phone: 0744-24-1122 Department of Imperial Palace Sites Investigations (Asuka andFujiwara)

Kashihara
jingo shrine←To Osaka
Abenobashi

Kintetsu
kashihara Line
Unebi goryomae
Sta.

To Kintetsu Nara→

←To Osaka

Route24

Kintetsu Kashihara Line

Omiya St.

To Sakurai→

Kashihara
Kintetsu Minami jingu-mae Sta.
Osaka Line

(Asuka/Fujiwara)

Mt Amanokaguyamaa←To Kashiharajingu-mae

Ichijo St

Shin Omiya
Sta.

To Sakurai→

JR Sakurai Line

Fujiwara Department of Imperial
Palace Site Palace Sites Investigations

Route 24

w
ga r
ka ve
su Ri

e

Miminashi
Sta.

A

Nara Lin

t
es ne
-W Li
JR sainKa

http://www.nabunken.go.jp/

Kintetsu

Route 165
JR Unebi
Sta.

←To Takada

zu

Phone: +81-742-30-6733

SuzakuGate

Ki

Prefecture 630-8577

Nara palace
East Palace
Site
GardenTo

247-1 Saki-cho, Nara City, Nara

Nara National
Research Institutefor Cultural
Properties(temporary
building)

Kintetsu Osaka Line

Yamato←To Osaka Yagi Sta.
Uehonmachi←

Nara Palace
Site Museum

Y←T Said amatooa
Na Osak iji Sta
mb a
.
a

Former Imperial
Audience Hall
Excavation Site
Exhibition Hall

Route 169o→

To Kyot

Asuka HistoricalMuseumOkuyama kumedera
temple↓To Yoshino

Asuka Niimasu
Jinjya shrine

Yamadadera
temple(Kintetsu Line) 20 min.by taxi from Yamato Yagi Station
to the institute 20 min
by taxi from Kashihara Jingu Mae Station to the Asuka
Historical Museum
From either Kintetsu Kashihara Jingu Mae Station or
Kintetsu Asuka Station. take the Kame Bus and get off
at the Asuka Historical Museum stop.
From JR/Kintetsu Sakurai Station, take the Nara Kotsu
Bus and get off at the Asuka Historical Museum stop.

●Asuka Historical Museum
Hours: 9:00-16:30 (Last admission at 16:00)
Closed: Mondays (except when National Holidays fall on Mondays, inwhich case the museum is open on the holiday and closed thefollowing day instead) and over the New Year period
Admissions: Adults: 270 (170) yen
University Students: 130 (60) yen※( ) indicate prices for those in groups of 20 or more
※An additional charge is required for some special
exhibitions※Persons with disabilities and one accompanying person
are admitted free
※Persons under 18 years, and school students (up to andincluding high school) are admitted free to regularexhibitions
Note:Guides available (free of charge, reservations required)
Phone: 0744-54-3561 Asuka Historical Museum

International Research Centre for Intangible
Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region (IRCI)
AccessShin-osaka

Highway
Sakai Exit

To Namba

http://www.irci.jp

4Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2017

City OfficeN
Koy ankaia LineNintokuTenno-ryo
Kofun
Bus Stop
Hakubutukan-mae

IRCI
Goryodori
Daisennishimachi2cho

Mikun

igaokaMozu

Goryomae

JR Hanwa Lineshi

Phone:+81-72-275-8050

iga

Sakai City, Osaka 590-0802

TennojikaihHankai Line

Sa

Sakai City Museum, 2 cho Mozusekiun-cho, Sakai-ku,

Osaka

To Kansai
Airport●(JR Hanwa Line) 6 min. from Mozu Station(Nankai Bus) 4 min. from Sakaishi Hakubutsukanmae

Ⅱ

Projects of the National Institutes for Cultural
Heritage

The Undertakings of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage include:
Preservation and Transmission of Tangible Cultural Properties, andUtilization of Cultural Properties to Disseminate Japan’s History andTraditional Culture Nationally and Internationally１（1）Collection and Preservation of Tangible Cultural Properties, and Transmission of
Tangible Cultural Properties to Future Generations
As core institutions involved in the preservation and transmission of history and traditional culture, each museum collects objects
according to its own individual collection policy to ensure that the accumulation of objects is systematically and historically balanced.
We also work closely with the Agency for Cultural Affairs to actively promote donations and long-term loans from private owners,
utilizing the System of Enrolled Art Objects, for example, or improving the inheritance tax system to make donation of objects easier.
Japan’s cultural properties are the precious assets of the Japanese people. In order to pass on this heritage to future
generations, we implement thorough management of items in the collections, and make efforts to improve the environments for these
items while working systematically to conserve them, with those requiring urgent treatment given priority. This work is carried out
through the coordinated efforts of NICH's conservators and professionals of conservation science as well as specialists (both internaland external) in the fields of conservation science and restoration technology, using both traditional techniques and modern scientificmethods. Conservation studios and other facilities also consider the need to protect cultural properties from natural disasters, andare working with the government to make further preparations.

■Acquisition

We continually strive to collect cultural properties through purchases and donations with the aim of:（1）accumulatingcollections that are both systematically and historically balanced, and（2）preventing the dispersion of private collections andthe export of tangible cultural properties from Japan.
Furthermore, the four museums each accept long-term loans from temples, shrines, and private collectors in order to further
enhance their own distinctive regular exhibitions.

Number of Works in the Museum Collections
Total
Total
127,453（Entries）

Tokyo National Museum Kyoto National Museum Nara National Museum Kyushu National Ｍuseum

Important
Important
Important
Important
ImportantNational
National
National
National
National
Cultural Total
Cultural Total
Cultural Total
Cultural Total
CulturalTreasures
Treasures
Treasures
Treasures
Treasures
Properties
Properties
Properties
Properties
Properties
132

983

117,190

88

636

7,794

28

198

1,886

Nara National Research Institute holds 8 Important Cultural Properties.

13

112

583

3

37

（Figures as of March 31, 2017）

Number of Works on Long-term Loan to the Museums（Entries）

Total

Tokyo National Museum Kyoto National Museum Nara National Museum Kyushu National Museum
Important
Important
Important
Important
ImportantNational
National
National
National
National
Total
Cultural Total
Cultural Total
Cultural Total
Cultural Total
CulturalTreasures
Treasures
Treasures
Treasures
Treasures
Properties
Properties
Properties
Properties
Properties
55
258 6,18986
620 1,958
52
299
905
2
12
12,127 195 1,189 3,075（Figures as of March 31, 2017）■Conservation and Restoration

Tangible cultural properties preserved in museum collections need to be restored approximately once every 100 years. The
Institutes carry out two levels of conservation work: minimal treatments for general display and storage when necessary; and fullscale treatments, performed on a schematic basis in response to the condition of the object.

（２）Exhibitions
We disseminate information both nationally and internationally to promote understanding of the history and traditional culture ofJapan and other Asian regions. For this purpose, we hold attractive exhibitions and high-quality displays that reflect both visitor
needs and the latest academic trends, while also taking into consideration the needs of international cultural exchange.
In addition, we are constantly striving to make our museums more visitor-friendly by extending museum hours and creating
multilingual and accessible environments, with extensive information for visitors to enhance the overall museum environment. We
are also making improvements to museum management in response to visitor feedback.

■Exhibitions

Each museum holds its own distinctive regular and special exhibitions to provide opportunities for visitors to engage withtraditional art and archaeological objects, including National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. We also collaborate
with overseas museums to hold exhibitions which introduce our respective cultures.

■Number of Visitors（FY 2016）
Total

Tokyo National Museum

Kyoto National Museum

Nara National Museum

Kyushu National Museum

3,663,777

1,907,647

384,340

449,322922,468

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2017

5

Nara Buddhist Sculpture Hall—Exhibition from the Permanent Collection:“Masterpieces of Buddhist Sculpture” (Nara National Museum)（３）Education

Masterpieces of Japanese Art: Selected Items from the Collectionsof the Tokyo National Museum and Kyushu National Museum(National Palace Museum, Southern Branch, Taiwan)(December 10, 2016-March 10, 2017)

To promote understanding of the history andtraditional culture of Japan and other Asian
regions, we provide a variety of educational
programs, such as lectures and workshops, incooperation with schools and other educational
institutions.
Furthermore, we work with universities toprovide professional training and support volunteer activities with the aim of further improving
our educational programs. We also implement
training programs for museum professionals,
Visitors to Kyoto National Museum enjoy Gamelan Workshop at the Kyushu National
conservators, and others.
an educational talk by one of the Museum’s Museum“Cultural Property Sommelier” volunteers
In addition, we utilize the internet to disseminate information about cultural properties, andpublicize our exhibitions and educational activities through the collection, publication, and display of various types of information.

（４）Research on the Collection, Preservation, and Exhibition of Tangible Cultural
Properties (Namely fine and applied arts), and Educational Activities

We conduct surveys and research relating to the collection, preservation, and exhibition of tangible cultural properties, as well as educational activities, on a systematic
basis; organize international symposiums to which leading researchers are invited;arrange for NICH staff to work at overseas research institutes and attend international conferences; and conduct research while accumulating the latest information.
The results obtained in our surveys and research are publicized using a variety
of different methods, including publications and the internet, thereby contributing to
the transmission of cultural properties to the next generation and to the continued
enhancement of Japanese culture.

Research of Illustrated Biography of Prince
Shotoku funded by Grants-in-Aid for Scientific
Research（５）Contribution to Museum-related Activities in Japan and Abroad
We proactively loan items from our collections to museums both in Japan and abroad, while taking due account of the state of preservation of
the items in question, so that they may be viewed more widely by both
domestic and international audiences. We are also actively engaged inproviding guidance and advice to other museums and in the exchange
of information, as well as working to build a disaster response network
for cultural properties.

International Symposium "Exhibiting Japan: Renewal andRenovation of Japanese Art Galleries" (Jan. 28-29, 2017)

Research and Collaborative Projects for the Protection of
２ Implementing
Cultural Properties and Overseas Cultural Heritage
We undertake the following types of surveys and research to contribute to the formation of the framework of knowledge andtechniques required to facilitate the transmission of priceless cultural properties to future generations.

（１）Research Leading to New Ideas
We are engaged in undertaking fundamental and systematic research relating to cultural properties (including collaborative
research and research-related exchange with other organizations, both in Japan and overseas) and also surveys and research

6

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2017

that contribute to the preservation andeffective utilization of cultural properties.
The results achieved by these surveys
and research have led to an increase in
the amount of basic data available, facilitated the accumulation of academic
knowledge, and provided the basic information needed to support designation as
cultural properties, while also contributing, at individual and collective levels, tothe planning and establishment of cul- Mr. OKOCHI Masanobu, maker of hand-carved bridges Mortar joint examination in progress atfor shamisen
the former Tomioka Silk Mill (a Designatedtural property preservation measures by
National Treasure)national and local government bodies, as well as the evaluation of cultural property.

（２）Basic Research for the Improvement of Research and Development Utilizing Science and Technology
We undertake the following types of research and development to support the development of research on the value and preservation of cultural properties:① We contribute to the enhancement of the accuracy and effectiveness of culturalproperty survey methods through the promotion of R&D work such as the application of science and technology. We also contribute towards the clarification of the
background (cultural, historical, and natural environment) against which culturalproperties came into being, and the process of change in this background over time.
②As a core research center for research relating to cultural property preservation science and restoration techniques, restoration materials, and production techniques,
we work for the development of new techniques for cultural property research,making use of the latest scientific and technological developments, and promote
cutting-edge surveys and research with the aim of fostering joint research andresearch-related exchange with other institutions both in Japan and overseas.

Investigation on brick cultural heritage
using portable X-ray diffraction analyzer（３）International Collaboration Relating to the Preservation of Cultural Heritage
We promote the acquisition and analysis of information from abroad regarding cultural heritage, and also promote cooperative programs for the protection of thisheritage. Additionally, we create human resources development and technology
transfer programs for the conservation and restoration of cultural properties. These
programs involve training and the dispatch of specialists. All of the aforementioned
endeavors—which are pursued while utilizing the knowledge, technology, and experience that Japan has for the protection of cultural heritage—are contributionsof international importance. Moreover, through cooperation with researchers andother specialists in the Asia-Pacific region, we conduct research for the protectionof intangible cultural heritage endangered by natural disasters and other threats,and promote protection of this heritage on an international scale. Through suchactivities for the protection of humanity’s shared assets, we contribute to cultural
exchange between countries and to mutual understanding.

International Experts Meeting of Mapping
Project（４）Collecting and Collating Information Relating to Cultural Properties, andPublicizing and Utilizing the Results of Surveys and Research

We are working to promote the digitalization of information relating to cultural properties andexpand related specialist archives, as well as organizing public lectures and international
symposiums, and expanding the content included on the websites of the individual facilities
that make up the NICH, with the aim of furthering the collection, collation and preservationof information relating to cultural properties and of ensuring that such outcomes are widely
publicized and disseminated. We are also working to expand the displays of survey and research results held at the Nara Palace Site Museum, Exhibition Room of Fujiwara Imperial
Site, and Asuka Historical Museum of the Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, so as to provide the general public with a more in-depth understanding of related areas.

Presentation at the 11th public lecture（５）Provision of Training for, and Collaboration with, Local Government Authorities in Relation to Cultural Properties
While contributing to the enhancement of knowledge and techniques through the implementation of training tailored to the needs of local government authorities by making effective
use of the results obtained in past surveys and research, we also undertake cultivation ofcore human resources that will play key roles in the preservation of Japan’s cultural properties in the future, through collaborative education projects in conjunction with university
graduate schools. After the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011, we played a central rolein activities conducted to rescue cultural properties at the request of the Agency for Cultural Affairs. Making effective use of this experience, we are also undertaking research projects
and human resources cultivation projects aimed at putting in place a nationwide system forcommunication and coordination so as to build a network for safeguarding and rescuing cultural properties in the event of future large-scale disasters such as major earthquakes.

“Geo-archeological Surveying Training
Course” in progress

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 20177

Ⅲ Activities of Each Institution
Tokyo National Museum
As Japan’s foremost museum in the humanities field, Tokyo National Museum collects, preserves, manages, and displays cultural properties from across Japan and other Asian regions, while also conducting research and providing educational programs.

ZENIYA Masami
Executive Director
Tokyo National Museum

The Tokyo National Museum was established in 1872 and has the longest history than any museum inJapan. Its collection comprises more than 117,000 cultural properties, including many National
Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. We collect, preserve, restore, and display tangible culturalproperties from across Japan and other Asian regions. We also conduct research on these objects andpromote understanding of art through educational programs.
The Museum seeks to further enhance its culturally-oriented exhibitions by displaying some of thefinest objects and holding events tailored to the seasons. Starting from this year, the Museum’s opening
hours are being extended until 21:00 on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the year, with the aim ofproviding both foreign tourists and domestic visitors with more opportunities to view the Museum’s
exhibits; the Museum will also be holding a variety of special events on Friday and Saturday evenings tofurther enhance the experience of evening visitors.
In addition to exhibitions, the Museum also offers a wide range of programs, including hands-on
activities, guided tours, and workshops. Our hands-on art-making workshops for students help them todeepen their understanding of cultural treasures.
We will continue striving to make the Tokyo National Museum more enjoyable for everyone, includingchildren and adults, as well as visitors from other countries.

■Exhibitions●Regular Exhibitions

The regular exhibitions comprise the core function of the museum’s exhibition activities, displaying works from the museum collection as well
as objects on loan to the museum. Exhibits are rotated periodically, with an approximate total of 370 rotations annually. In the fiscal year of
2016, 7,200 objects are scheduled for display. The regular exhibition galleries are as follows:
HONKAN (Japanese Gallery): The 2nd floor provides an overview of the evolution of Japanese art in chronological order from the Jomon to
the Edo period. The exhibits on the 1st floor are categorized by genre and include sculptures, ceramics, and swords.
TOYOKAN (Asian Gallery): This building is dedicated to artworks and archeological artifacts from China, the Korean Peninsula, Southeast
Asia, Central Asia, India, Egypt, and other regions.
HEISEIKAN: The Japanese Archaeology Gallery located on the 1st floor displays objects, such as dogu and haniwa clay figurines as well as
bronze bells, dating from the Paleolithic through to the Edo period; the Thematic Exhibition Room, also on the first floor, is used for thematicand educational displays.
The Gallery of Horyuji Treasures: This building exhibits objects selected from over 300 cultural properties donated to the Imperial family by
Horyuji Temple in Nara.
HYOKEIKAN: This building has been used for special exhibitions in recent years.
Kuroda Memorial Hall: This building was built through a bequest from one of the most renowned painters of modern Japan, Kuroda Seiki, andis used to exhibit his works.
●Thematic Exhibitions

Thematic exhibitions focus on specific themes and are held as part of the Museum’s regular exhibitions. The following are examples of thosescheduled for fiscal year 2017 (the dates given are tentative):
・Conservation and Restoration of the Tokyo National Museum Collection (March 22–April 16, 2017)
・2017 Newly Designated National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties (June 27–July 17, 2017)
・Family Gallery: Diving info Folding Screens (July 4–September 3, 2017)
・Magical Asia—Journey through Asia at the Tokyo National Museum (September 5–October 15, 2017)
・Yamato-e Paintings of the Muromachi Era—Master Painters and their Works (October 24–December 3, 2017)

上野国立３館はに 夜間開館しています!!

Extended Evening Hours for 3 National Museums in Ueno

The National Museum of Western Art

ce
i en

se

um

Sc
Nature an dofTokyo NationaNati o n a l M

u

useum
lM

金曜日・土曜日、上野の国立 3 館（国立西洋美術館、東京国立博物館、国立科学博物館）の常設展 ／総合文化展は20：00まで開館しています。
Late opening launched at the National Museum of Western Art, Tokyo National Museum andNational Museum of Nature and Science on Fridays and Saturdays until 20:00.

Poster in the Ueno District of Tokyo
advertising the Tokyo National Museum’s
new extended evening opening hours

8

Thematic Exhibition: Conservation and
Restoration of the Tokyo National
Museum Collection (March 22–April 16,2017) Pamphlet

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2017

Special Exhibition: Chanoyu—The Artsof Tea Ceremony, the Essence ofJapan (April 11–June 4, 2017)

●Special Exhibitions
Special exhibitions are held to share the results of our research and to meet visitor demand. The following are examples of special exhibitions
scheduled for the fiscal year 2017:
・Chanoyu—The Arts of Tea Ceremony, the Essence of Japan (April 11–June 4, 2017)
・Special Exhibition Celebrating 130 Years of Amity between Japan and Thailand—Thailand: Brilliant Land of the Buddha (July 4–August 27, 2017)
・The Living Treasures of France (September 26–November 26, 2017)
・Unkei: The Great Master of Buddhist Sculpture (September 26–November 26, 2017)
・Ninnaji and the Buddhas of Omuro Temples (provisional title) (January 16–March 11, 2018)
・Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (January 23-March 18, 2018)●Overseas Exhibitions
・Special Exhibition Celebrating 130 Years of Amity between Japan and Thailand—Japanese Art: Belief and Life (provisional title) scheduled for
December 2017–February 2018, Bangkok National Museum, Thailand
・Joint Special Exhibition of National Museums: Tigers (provisional title), January 26–March 18, 2018, National Museum of Korea■Acquisition, Preservation, and Restoration

The Museum seeks to create a comprehensive display of Asian cultural properties with a focus on
Japan through the acquisition of works of art by purchase, gift, and loan. We also carry out a variety of collection management measures to allow deteriorated objects to be safely exhibited in the
future. These measures include enhancing gallery and storage environments, improving display andtransportation methods, conducting collection assessment, as well as performing about 90 full
restorations and 500 emergency treatments of works annually.

■Education

To provide a better museum experience for visitors, we offer opportunities for as many people aspossible to get to know the museum, and help them to develop a deeper understanding of Japanese and Asian culture. Through collaboration with schools and developing volunteer activities, we
strive to establish a pioneering model for engaging museum projects and promote effective educational programs that reflect our role as a leading museum in Japan.
○Providing learning opportunities
Lectures, gallery talks, workshops, “behind the scenes” tours introducing the museum’s preservation and restoration work, and exhibition-related events○Educational and thematic exhibits called “Family Galleries”○Collaboration with schools
School programs (art appreciation programs, work experience programs, and programs for visually impaired students)
Teacher training (in relation to Special Exhibitions and Regular Exhibitions)○Partnerships with universities
Campus Members System and internship programs for graduate students○Volunteer activities
Assistance for educational activities and conservation projects, visitor information, and guided
tours

Kids’ Day activity: Welcome to theTokyo National Museum Theatre!

Tactile map in Room 19 of the Japanese
Gallery (Honkan)■Research

We conduct research on cultural properties originating in Asia, with a focus on Japan. Researchoutcomes are reflected in the museum’s collection, preservation, and exhibition activities. Research is partially supported by Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research and other grants for culturalactivities. Research conducted in fiscal year 2017 includes the following:・Joint research on the Buddhist art works held in the Museum’s collections, using opticaltechnology
・Research relating to Thematic Exhibitions such as Tibetan Buddhism and the World of Esoteric
Buddhism
・Research relating to the development of museum field-trip guides that make effective use of
information and communications technology (ICT)・Special Research Projects on the Treasures of the Horyu-ji Temple donated to the Imperial
Household in 1878, including Calligraphy, Handicrafts, Sculpture, and Painting

Brief History

1872: Opened as the Museum of the Ministry of Education, on theoccasion of Japan’s first public exposition held by the ministry
in the Yushima Seido, Tokyo.
1875: Transferred to the Ministry of the Interior. The museum hadeight exhibition categories at this time: natural products,
agriculture& forestation, industrial technology, art, history,
education, religion, and army and navy
1882: Moved to the present location, a site formerly occupied by theheadquarters of Kan’eiji temple.
1889: Reorganized as the Imperial Museum under the supervision of
the Imperial Household Agency.
1900: Renamed the Tokyo Imperial Household Museum.
1909: Hyokeikan opened.
1923: Former Honkan building destroyed in the Great Kanto
Earthquake.
1925: Natural history collections transferred to the Tokyo Museum of
the Ministry of Education (present-day National Science
Museum) and other institutions.
1938: Present Honkan building opened.
1947: Transferred to the Ministry of Education and renamed the
National Museum.
1952: Renamed the Tokyo National Museum.
1964: The Gallery of Horyuji Treasures (inaugural building) opened.
1968: Affiliated with the Agency for Cultural Affairs. Toyokan opened.
1984: The Shiryokan (the Research and Information Center) opened.
1999: The Gallery of Horyuji Treasures (current building) and Heiseikan
opened.
2001: Became the Independent Administrative Institution National
Museums, Tokyo National Museum.
2007: Integrated into the Independent Administrative Institution
National Institutes for Cultural Heritage as the Tokyo National
Museum.

Survey being undertaken using
optical technology as part of a joint
research project

Facilities（m2）

Land Area

120,270（including the Kuroda Memorial Hall and the Yanase Villa）

Buildings

Building Area

Exhibition Buildings

22,438Gross Floor Area

Exhibition Area Total
Repository Area Total

72,222
18,1997,836

HonkanBuilding Area
Exhibition Area

6,602
6,573

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

22,416
4,028

Toyokan

Building Area
Exhibition Area

2,892
4,250

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

12,531
1,373

Heiseikan

Building Area
Exhibition Area

5,542
4,471

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

19,406
2,119

The Gallery of Horyuji
Treasures

Building Area
Exhibition Area

1,935
1,462

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

4,031
291

Hyokeikan

Building Area
Exhibition Area

1,130
1,179

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

2,077
0

Kuroda Memorial Hall

Building Area
Exhibition Area

724
264

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

1,996
25

OthersBuilding Area

3,613

Gross Floor Area

9,765

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 20179

Kyoto National Museum
The Kyoto National Museum collects, preserves, manages, and exhibits cultural properties, while also conducting research and educational activities. It focuses on culturalproperties from the Heian period to the Edo period, a time when Kyoto was the capitalof Japan.

SASAKI Johei
Executive Director
Kyoto National Museum

Kyoto served as Japan’s Imperial capital for over 1,000 years, from the relocation of the capital in794, which marked the beginning of the Heian period, right through to the Meiji Restoration in
1868.
The Kyoto National Museum showcases numerous cultural assets that testify to the glory of
the city’s cultural heritage and presents Japan’s traditional culture to the world through various
activities. We will continue to work towards the realization of the museum’s great mission of
spreading awareness of Japanese traditional culture throughout the globe. To this end, the museum
strives to encourage people in all walks of life to take an interest in and visit the museum. Our aim is
to create a “people-centric museum” that is also a “museum with deep roots in the local community.”
We would like our museum to be a place for education, a place where people can relax, a place forlifelong learning, and also a place that will attract both domestic and overseas tourists. The new
Heisei Chishinkan Wing opened in September 2014. We anticipate that the new facilities andfunctions of the Heisei Chishinkan Wing will help to make the Kyoto National Museum even more
popular with visitors.
This year (2017) marks the 120th anniversary of the founding of the Kyoto National Museum. In
the past, we have played an important role in the preservation and transmission of cultural heritage.
Taking this fundamental role of museums as our starting point, we will be implementing a variety ofactivities, thereby proactively promoting the museum’s continued development.

■Exhibitions●Collection Galleries
The Collection Galleries in the Heisei Chishinkan Wing, which opened in September 2014, include
thematic galleries for ceramics, archeological relics, paintings, calligraphy, decorative and appliedarts, and sculpture. The galleries showcase some of the finest pieces from the museum’s 13,000
collection works（including works on long-term loan）, and enable visitors to experience some of themost outstanding examples of Kyoto’s unique cultural heritage. The works on display are changed
periodically, so visitors can expect to see different items on subsequent visits.
●Special Exhibitions
・120th Anniversary Commemorative Special Exhibition Kaiho Yusho (April 11–May 21, 2017)
・120th Anniversary Commemorative Special Exhibition National Treasures (October 3–November
26, 2017)

Special Exhibition
The Art of Zen: From Mind to Form
(April 12–May 22, 2016)

Special Exhibition
Sakamoto Ryōma: Japan’s Favorite Hero
(October 15–November 27, 2016)

Heisei ChishinkanCollection Galleries■Collection, Preservation, and Restoration of Cultural Properties
Since the museum’s establishment, numerous treasures from historical temples and shrines havebeen entrusted to the Kyoto National Museum. Meanwhile, the number of cultural properties in thecollection has increased yearly through purchases and donations, with a focus on art or archaeological items related to Kyoto culture. These cultural properties must be restored and preserved appropriately so that they may be enjoyed and appreciated by future generations. The Conservation Center for Cultural Properties, the first comprehensive conservation facility for cultural properties inJapan, was established in 1980 to meet that need.

■Educational Activities

The Conservation Center for Cultural
Properties

We undertake a variety of activities via our exhibitions, our website, and outreach to schools, in order to help people learn more about the museum’s
exhibitions and collections, and to stimulate interest and concern for cultural properties.

10

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2017

○Activities held to enhance understanding of exhibition contents and exhibits
・The museum holds various lectures and seminars including the Saturday Lectures and Commemorative Lectures. It also operates the “Museum
Cart” hands-on experience booths (staffed by “Kyo-Haku Navigator” volunteers), and implements various types of workshops, as well as distributing
museum guide brochures, explanatory sheets, and the “Museum Dictionary,” etc.
○Activities held to stimulate interest in cultural properties
・The museum organizes summer lectures, symposiums and other lecture events, as well as arranging visits to elementary schools and junior highschools in Kyoto by “Cultural Property Sommeliers” making use of high-resolution digital reproductions of important works of art (Cultural Heritage
Familiarization Classes), and organizing workshops inlocations outside the museum.
○The museum works closely with educational institutions, organizing collaborative events.
・The collaboration between the museum and the university sector includes the Campus Members System, the giving of lectures on historical, cultural andsociological topics by our curators at the Graduate
School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto
University, and the training of “Cultural Property
Sommeliers,” as well as the holding of training sessions for visit-based learning activities and teacher
education.
○Support for volunteer activities
Let’s Use Stamps to Design Uchiwa
Kyo-Haku Navigator workshop Divina・Implementation of the “Kyo-Haku Navigator” and(Traditional Paper Fans)! activity at thetion-Learning About the Language of“Cultural Property Sommeliers” systems, and training
Museum Kids! National Fair (in Sendai)
Zen Buddhismof “Kyo-Haku Navigator” and “Cultural Property Som(June 25–26, 2016)(2016)
melier” volunteers.

■Research
Since 1979, the museum has been implementing an ongoing, comprehensive survey of cultural assets owned by shrines and temples in the Kinki
region of Japan, centered on Kyoto, with the researchers of the museum’s Curatorial Board playing a particularly active role. As part of these efforts,
over a four-year period starting in 2016, we are implementing a Comprehensive Research Program on the Buddhist Culture and History of the Kawachi
Region, with KAKENHI (government-funded grants-in-aid for scientific research) funding support. This research program will involve conducting asurvey of the cultural heritage of shrines and temples in the Osaka and Kawachi regions. We have also been undertaking an ongoing survey ofpaintings, calligraphy and decorative art dating from the Early Modern and Modern eras from a collection housed in a private residence in Kaizuka City,
Osaka Prefecture. Approximately half of these works have already been donated to the museum, and will be put on public display in a Special Exhibitionin the Heisei Chishinkan Wing in 2017. The museum also continues to undertake research on its collections; the research results are reflected in themuseum’s displays and published in the Kyoto National Museum Bulletin.

Temple research inventory at Kongō-ji
TempleRakugo performance■Other Activities○Rakugo at the Museum
As part of the museum’s efforts to create a “people-centric museum”, Kyoto National Museum has launched the “Rakugo at the Museum” project
whereby performances of rakugo（traditional comic storytelling which originated in Kyoto）are held several times a year, highlighting seasonal themes.
Other concerts are also being planned.

Brief History

Facilities

1889: Established as the Imperial Museum of Kyoto under the supervision of the Imperial Household Agency Ｍinistry
1897: First exhibition held
1900: Renamed as the Imperial Household Museum of Kyoto
1924: Donated to Kyoto City; renamed as the Imperial Gift Museumof Kyoto
1952: Transferred to the national government; renamed as the Kyoto National Museum
1966: Establishment of the Collections Hall
1968: Affiliated with the Agency for Cultural Affairs
1969: The Special Exhibition Hall, Main Gate, ticket booth and fences are designated as an Important Cultural Property under
the name of the Former Imperial Museum of Kyoto
1973: The Saturday lecture series starts
1980: The Conservation Center for Cultural Properties established
2001: The South Gate constructed as part of the 100th Year Anniversary Hall construction project（tentative name）
2001: Transformed into the Independent Administrative Institution
National Museum, Kyoto National Museum
2007: Integrated into the Independent Administrative Institution
National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, as Kyoto National
Museum2009: Reconstruction begins on the former Collection Hall
2013: Construction of Heisei Chishinkan Wing（new Collection Hall）
is completed in August
2014: Heisei Chishinkan Wing is scheduled to open in September（m ）Land Area

53,182

2

Buildings

Building Area

Exhibition Buildings

13,517Gross Floor Area

Exhibition Area Total
Repository Area Total

31,828
5,657
5,421

Special Exhibition Hall

Building Area
Exhibition Area

3,015
2,070

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

3,015
803

Heisei Chishinkan Wing

Building Area
Exhibition Area

5,568
3,587

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

17,9972,710

Former Administration
Building
Building Area

590

Gross Floor Area

1,954

Materials Building

Building Area

414

Gross Floor Area

1,125

Conservation Center for
Cultural Properties
Building Area

728

Gross Floor Area

2,856Technical Materials
CenterBuilding Area

101

Gross Floor Area

304

East Repository

Building Area

1,084

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

1,996
1,412

North Repository

Building Area

310

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

682
496

OthersBuilding Area

1,707

Gross Floor Area

1,899

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 201711

Nara National Museum
Nara National Museum collects, preserves, manages and displays cultural properties,
while also conducting research and providing educational programs. The focus is on
Buddhist art and the cultural properties of Nara.
Since its opening in 1895, with the cooperation of temples and shrines of the Nara region,
the Nara National Museum has been engaged in collecting, preserving, and conducting
research and educational programs on cultural properties mainly associated with Buddhism.
Through these activities, the museum has introduced to the public the high artistic
value and historical background of Japanese Buddhist culture, unique in its fusion withindigenous beliefs. Keeping in mind that various cultural properties are tied together in an
organic whole with the historical and cultural landscape of Nara, we will continuously strive
to promote the museum’s international activities and the more effective use of information
technology in order to reach a wide range of people as a conveyor of Nara’s culture.

■Exhibitions
MATSUMOTO Nobuyuki
Executive Director
Nara National Museum●Buddhist Art Exhibitions
As well as special exhibitions and feature exhibitions, the museum also exhibits distinguished masterworks of
Buddhist art including many designated as National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. The Nara Buddist Sculpture Hall features ”Masterpieces of Buddhist Sculpture”, which displays exceptional Buddist statues
representative of the history of Japanese sculpture from the Asuka to the Kamakura period, dating from aroundthe 7th century to the mid-14th century. The Ritual Bronzes Gallery connected by a corridor features fineworks of Chinese ancient bronzes. The West Wing houses ”Masterpiece of Buddhist Art” which introduces theessence of Japanese Buddhist art through selected items of painting, decorative art, calligraphy and artifacts.
In addition, thematic exhibitions from the permanent collection are occasionally held for themes that lie outside
a specific genre.

●Feature Exhibitions
Feature exhibitions are medium-scale exhibitions organized to explore a specific theme.
・On-Matsuri and the Sacred Art of Kasuga (December 9, 2017–January 14, 2018)
・Treasures of Todaiji’s Omizutori Ritual (February 6–March 14, 2018)
・Restoration Commemoration Exhibition Masterpiece Paintings of Yakushiji: Interior Panel Paintings of the Former Fukujuin by Nagasawa Rosetsu
and Ita-e Paintings (February 6–March 14, 2018)●Special Exhibitions
・The Buddhist Master Sculptor Kaikei: Timeless Beauty from the Kamakura Period (April 8–June 4, 2017)
・Millennial Memorial Exhibition: Imaging the Afterlife―Hells and Paradise Envisioned by the Buddhist Prelate Genshin (July 15–September 3, 2017)
・The 69th Annual Exhibition of Shōsō-in Treasures (Late October-Early November, 2017) (Tentative)

The National Treasure Illustrated Scrollsof the Legends of Shigisan: Treasuresof Chōgosonshiji Temple and Faith in
Bishamontennō(April 9–May 22, 2016)

Special Exhibition Commemorating the800th Anniversary of the Birth of Ninshō—The Buddhist Monk Ninshō: A Life Devoted to Salvation

The 68th Annual Exhibition of Shōsō-in
Treasures(October 22–November 7, 2016)(July 23–September 19, 2016)■Collection,PreservationandRestorationofCulturalProperties
We strive to collect tangible cultural properties, which are valuable assets for the people of Japan, by purchase, donation and loan.
We work to maintain the environment for our collections with meticulous care, by constantly controlling the temperature and humidity in our
exhibition and storage areas.
Most Japanese cultural properties are made of extremely fragile materials such as paper and wood. Therefore, the museum must take proactive
steps to preserve these objects for future generations. For this reason, in 2002, we established the Conservation Center for Cultural Properties tohandle restoration projects by restorers.

12

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2017

■EducationalPrograms
We promote a variety of educational programs to increase the understanding of theimportance of cultural properties.
①Collection and distribution of information and materials concerning cultural properties②Programs for students
Ex: World heritage classes (mainly for elementary school students) and educational
lectures for teachers③Lectures and seminars
Ex: Public lectures, Sunday museum talks, summer seminar series, the Shōsō-in academic symposium, and international symposia④Cooperation with universities and colleges
Ex: Campus Members System, internship programs, and joint lectures with Nara Women’s University and Kobe University⑤Promotion of volunteer activities■ResearchandSurveyActivities
We consider research into cultural properties to be the most important activity supporting the foundations of the Nara National Museum as a research institution. Reflected in
the museum’s masterpiece exhibitions and special exhibitions, the results of research
are utilized in our exhibition activities. Reference materials collected through research
are available to the public at the Buddhist Art Library. In fiscal year 2017 the Nara National Museum will conduct the following thematic research:①Research on collection items, items on loan to the museum, and related items②Research on Buddhist paintings alongside the creation of reproductions③Fundamental research on ancient Buddhist scriptures and sutra-copying④Comprehensive survey of Buddhist arts and crafts and ancient arts and crafts⑤Research on artifacts excavated from ancient tombs⑥Research on the art of sculpture in ancient and medieval Nara
⑦Research on Buddhist art using optical technologies, conducted in collaboration with
the Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties⑧Research to accompany thematic exhibitions⑨Research to accompany special exhibitions, etc.
⑩Research to contribute to educational programs in history and traditional culture⑪Research into the effects on cultural properties of storage area environments, exhibition spaces and display cases⑫Research on collections and objects loaned to the museum, from the perspective of
cultural asset restoration⑬Research on collections and objects loaned to the museum, from the perspective ofconservation science⑭Theory and practice-based study of establishing cultural property archives

Volunteer activity

Summer seminar History and Art of the
Risshu School of Buddhism—From Ganjin
to Ninshō in progress

Preparatory research for the special
exhibition Kaikei

Venue hire: Ferrari Cavalcade International
2016

Brief History

1889: Established as the Imperial Museum of Nara under
the supervision of the Imperial Household Ministry
1895: First exhibition held (April 29)
1900: Renamed as the Imperial Household Museum of Nara
1914: Establishment of the Shōsō-in Department
1947: Supervision transferred to the Ministry of Education
1950: Affiliated with the National Commission for the Protection of Cultural Properties
1952: Renamed as the Nara National Museum
1968: Affiliated with the Agency for Cultural Affairs
1973: Opening of the West Wing
1980: Establishment of the Buddhist Art Library
1995: Celebration of the museum’s centennial anniversary
1998: Opening of the East Wing
2001: Becomes the Independent Administrative Institution
National Museum, Nara National Museum
2002: Opening of the Conservation Center for Cultural Properties
The main building’s repository reopend as the RitualBronzes Gallery
2007: Integrated into the Independent Administrative Institution National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, as the
Nara National Museum
2010: The main building renamed as the Nara Buddhist
Sculpture Hall
2016: Nara Buddhist Sculpture Hall reopening after restoration (April 29)

Facilities（m2）

Land Area

78,760

Buildings

Building Area

6,769

Exhibition Buildings

Gross Floor Area

19,116

Exhibition Area Total 4,079
Repository Area Total 1,558

Nara Buddhist Sculpture
Hall

Building Area
Exhibition Area

1,512
1,261

Gross Floor Area

1,512

Ritual Bronzes Gallery

Building Area
Exhibition Area

341
470

Gross Floor Area

664

East Wing

Building Area
Exhibition Area

1,825
875

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

6,389
1,394

West Wing

Building Area
Exhibition Area

1,649
1,473

Gross Floor Area

5,396

Buddhist Art Library

Building Area

718

Gross Floor Area

718

Conservation Center for
Cultural Properties

Building Area

319

Gross Floor Area

1,036

Lower Level
Passageway

Gross Floor Area

2,152

Repository Area

164

405

Gross Floor Area

1,249

OthersBuilding Area

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 201713

Kyushu National Museum
Kyushu National Museum collects, preserves, manages and displays cultural properties, while also conducting research and providing educational programs. The focus ison cultural properties related to Japan’s cultural exchanges with other Asian regions.
Kyushu, the westernmost main island of Japan, which is situated close to continental Asia, has been thestage for vibrant exchanges of people and objects since ancient times. Delegations from overseas werewelcomed at the Dazaifu Government Office, which was situated near the museum’s current location. Thishistorical background, and the aspirations of the people of Kyushu, led to the establishment, in 2005
in Dazaifu City, Fukuoka, of a national museum that focuses on the development of Japanese culture in
relation to the surrounding Asian regions.
The Museum has now received a cumulative total of over 14 million visitors since it first opened. The
last few years have seen a pronounced increase in the number of visitors from China, Korea, Vietnam andThailand.
In the future, the Museum will continue to carry out a wide range of research work and other activities
aimed at furthering mutual understanding between Asian cultures, while also striving to be a museumthat is relevant to, and of value to, the local community.

SHIMATANI Hiroyuki
Executive Director
Kyushu National Museum■Exhibitions●Cultural Exchange Exhibition（Permanent Exhibition）

In order to provide our visitors with opportunities to experience new works each time they visit, Feature Exhibitions,which change periodically, are held in the Cultural Exchange Exhibition Gallery.
We also strive to create more dynamic and in-depth exhibitions through the usage of videos and hands-on displays.

●Feature Exhibitions（Thematic Exhibitions）

Cultural Exchange Exhibition(Permanent Exhibition)

The main Feature Exhibitions scheduled for fiscal year 2017 are as follows:
・History Revealed from the deep－The Frontier of Underwater Archaeology (July 15–September 10, 2017)
・Tsushima－Traces of International Contacts Seen in Historical Treasures (provisional title) (August 8–September 18, 2017)
・The Land of Gods, Buddhas and Demons—An Exhibition about the Rokugo Manzan (Esoteric Buddhist Temples) of
Usa in Kunisaki (provisional title) (September 13–November 5, 2017)
・Prominent Zen priests, Hakuin and Sengai (January 1–February 12, 2018)
・Learning from, and Being Prepared for, Natural Disasters—The Kumamoto Earthquakes and Cultural Heritage Rescue Work (provisional title) (March 13–May 6, 2018)
・Special New Year Display: National Treasure HATSUNE BRIDAL MAKIE LACQUER FURNISHINGS from the Tokugawa Art Museum (January 1–28, 2018)●Special Exhibitions
・Thailand: Brilliant Land of the Buddha (April 11–June 4, 2017)
・Lascaux: The Cave Paintings of the Ice Age (July 11–September 3, 2017)
・Japanese Art in the Age of Discoveries (October 14–November 26, 2017)
・Wang Xizhi and Japanese Calligraphy (provisional title) (February 10–April 8, 2018)■Collection, Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Properties
Feature Exhibition Imari wares in
the life of established families(September 14–November 6, 2016)●Collection

The Museum puts an emphasis on collecting cultural heritage such as fine art, decorative art, archeologicalmaterials, historical documents and folk materials that help visitors more easily understand the cultural exchanges
between Japan and the rest of Asia as well as the origins of Japanese culture. Moreover, in an effort to further
improve displays and exhibitions, we proactively invite temples, shrines and private individuals to donate or entrust
their cultural properties to us.

●Preservation

Special Exhibition Thailand: Brilliant
Land of the Buddha(April 14–June 4, 2017)

The “storage rooms” of the Museum are where important cultural properties are preserved and stored. They feature
a double-walled structure, designed to prevent external air from outside the Museum from directly reaching thecultural properties, and are located in the heart of the building to minimize changes in temperature and humidity. The
air conditioning facilities also utilize a constant temperature humidistat, which allows the temperature and humidityof the storage area to be constantly maintained at more or less the same level. Additionally, the walls and ceiling ofeach storage room are made from materials procured from local suppliers in Kyushu, such as cedar, to help ensure
an appropriate humidity level without overly depending on air conditioning devices. The Museum was constructed asa seismically isolated structure, to prevent cultural properties from damage caused such as by toppling over during
earthquakes. The building does not receive a direct impact in the event of an earthquake, and this helps protect thepriceless cultural properties located inside.

●Restoration

The six conservation and restoration facilities at the Museum（respectively specializing in: the production of paper andother materials used for repair; historical materials, calligraphy and documents; paintings; sculptures; archaeologicalartifacts; and lacquerware）work in collaboration with the Museum’s Science Division, combining traditional methods
with scientific research technology. The staff, well experienced in the restoration of Japan’s designated culturalproperties, conduct projects actively through discussions with curators from fields such as history, art, decorative
arts, archaeology and other related areas. The latest technological equipment such as fluorescent X-ray analyzing
devices and X-ray CT scanners are also utilized in the scientific analysis of cultural properties to be restored.

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Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2017

■Educational and Exchange Activities●Educational Activities① Interactive Exhibition Gallery “Ajippa” showcases the various cultures of regions that had historically interacted with Japan. Other efforts include
areas such as educational kits development, visitor experience programs, and collaborative programs with other educational institutions.
② Educational programs in association with special exhibitions and the Cultural Exchange Exhibition (permanent exhibition)
・Programs to improve exhibition understanding
・Conducting of workshops
・Production of guidebooks③ “Kyupack” - educational kits to be used in secondary schools④ Campus Members System to strengthen ties with universities and other higher educational institutions⑤ Educational activities based on “Kyushu National Museum’s picture books” for children⑥ Supporting volunteer activities
We encourage various volunteer activities at the museum in areas including exhibition explanations,educational programs, guided tours（including behind the scenes ”Backyard Tours”）, the environment,
events, and Data compilation.
Volunteer Program: Kyushu
National Museum
Children’s Festival●Exchange Activities①Implementing exchange projects in cooperation with local enterprises for more effective utilization of museum facilities.
②Promoting exchange among Asian museums
Conclusion of cultural exchange agreements with the Buyeo National Museum (Korea), the Gonguju National Museum (Korea), The Korea National
University of Cultural Heritage, the Nanjing Museum (China), the Museum of Inner Mongolia (China), Chinese Center for Cultural Exchange, Sichuan
Museum (Chengdu, China), Shenyang Imperial Palace Museum (China), the Vietnam National Museum of History, and the Fine Arts Department of
the Ministry of Culture (Thailand)③Hosting international symposia and lecture events
・Sacred Island of OKINOSHIMA in Munakata Region and the Yamato Imperial Court: The Island of the Gods and Memories of Worship—The Story of
Excavation Surveys of Religious Sites (January 21, 2017)
・The US-Japan Conference on Cultural and Educational Interchange (CULCON)—Arts Dialogue Committee Symposium: Japanese Art and the World—
Focusing on Key Trends Since 2000 (December 6, 2016)
・Japan-China-ROK Trilateral Cultural Heritage Forum－The Protection and Public Use of Underwater Cultural Heritage (February 12, 2017)■Research and Survey Activities
The results of research concerning our main theme of “Cultural Exchange between Japan and Asian Countries”
and scientific research on conservation and restoration of cultural properties are actively utilized for ourcollection, preservation and exhibition activities. Part of our research is financially supported by the governmentfunded Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research（KAKENHI）and other private grants for cultural activities.
・Research on using X-ray computed tomography (CT) scanning to analyze the structure of bronze vessels,
sculptures, lacquer-ware, and other types of cultural heritage
・Research on the preservation and utilization of underwater archaeological sites
・Research relating to feature exhibitions and special displays, including “The Land of Gods, Buddhas andDemons—An Exhibition about the Rokugo Manzan (Esoteric Buddhist Temples) of Usa in Kunisaki” (provisional
title) etc.
・Research on educational outreach programs aimed at enhancing museum visitors’ understanding through theuse of explanatory panels, booklets, workshops etc. tailored to exhibition themes
・Research on the conservation and restoration of cultural heritage in museums
・Basic research on the establishment of an integrated pest management (IPM)
・Empirical research on the rescue etc. of cultural heritage following a natural disaster

Research on the Namban Ships
and Chinese Junk, using a large,
high-definition flatbed scanner■Publications
The museum produces publications to promote a wider understanding of our activitiesi） Tofu-seisei（Research Bulletin）: This bulletin summarizes the results of the Museum’s investigative research efforts（published annually）
ii） Asiage（Visual guide）: A guide providing information on Cultural Exchange Exhibition (permanent exhibition) in an accessible formatiii）Asiage（Quarterly magazine）: An information magazine focusing on the Cultural Exchange Exhibition and special exhibitions（released quarterly)iv）Picture Book Series: The Museum produces original picture books for children about Japanese history format to encourage understanding andfamiliarity.

Brief History

1994: The Agency for Cultural affairs（ACA）organized the “committee to investigate the establishment of a new concept-based museum (the Committee)”.
1996: ACA decided the new museum should be established as the Kyushu National Museum（provisional title）in Dazaifu, Fukuoka.
1997: The Committee drew up the “basic framework for Kyushu National Museum（provisional title）”.
1999: The Committee made the “basic plan for Kyushu National Museum（provisional title）”.
2000: ACA, Fukuoka Prefecture, and the Kyushu National Museum Promotion
Foundation（the Foundation）jointly formulated the “basic construction
design” for the Museum.
The ACA and Fukuoka Prefecture jointly organized “experts conference
for the establishment of Kyushu National Museum (provisional title)” developed the “permanent exhibition plan”.
2001: ACA, Fukuoka Prefecture and the Foundation jointly completed the “basic
exhibition design”.
The Independent Administrative Institution National Museum (the National Museum) established the “preparatory office for the establishmentof the Kyushu National Museum”.
2002: ACA, Fukuoka Prefecture and the Foundation jointly launched the “construction works (the first year of a three-year plan)”.
2003: The National Museum and Fukuoka Prefecture launched the “preparationof the exhibitions (the first year of a two-year plan”.
2004: ACA, Fukuoka Prefecture and the Foundation completed the “construction
works”.

ACA, the National Museum and Fukuoka Prefecture officially named theMuseum as “Kyushu National Museum”.
2005: The National Museum and Fukuoka Prefecture completed the “preparationof the exhibitions”.
The National Museum formally established the Kyushu National Museum.
Kyushu National Museum opened to the public on 16 October.
2007: The Kyushu National Museum was merged into the IAI National Institutes
for Cultural Heritage（NICH）.
2008: Japan-China-ROK Trilateral Summit Meeting was held at the Kyushu National Museum.
2012: Kyushu National Museum welcomed its 10 millionth visitor.
2015: 10th anniversary

Facilities
Land Area
Building（m2）
NICH
Building Area
NICH

Exhibition andExhibition Area Total
Repository Area Prefecture
Repository Area Total
Prefecture

10,798
14,623
9,300
5,444
1,375
4,518
1,335

Prefecture

166,477
155,679

Gross Floor Area
Prefecture
Shared Area

30,675
5,780
15,595NICH 3,844
Shared Area 225
NICH 2,744
Shared Area 439

The land and buildings are co-owned by Fukuoka Prefecture and the institution.

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 201715

Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties

KAMEI Nobuo
Director General
Tokyo National
Reseach Institute forCultural Properties

The Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, in the implementation of its roleof supporting the work of the government in the administration of cultural properties, conducts
fundamental, systematic, up-to-date and practical research on all types of cultural properties, bothtangible and intangible. It actively disseminates the results of such research, provides guidance andadvice to local public organizations regarding the preservation of cultural properties, and conducts
international cooperation activities, with different countries in Asia and other regions of the world,on the protection of cultural properties through the trainings of personnel and the transferring ofconservation and restoration techniques.
The priority areas on which the Institute is focusing in its survey and research work are outlined
below: Firstly, the Institute is working to build up comprehensive archives from the various types ofresearch results, basic databases and source materials that the Institute has collected over theyears. In addition, in the conservation science field, the Institute promotes coordinated projects with
the Independent Administrative Institution National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, of which theInstitute forms a part, with respect to surveys and research relating to the preservation, restorationand publication of museum materials. Thirdly, in regard to intangible cultural heritage, the Institutecollects basic data and materials nationwide, focusing mainly on performing arts and traditional
techniques, and makes them available to the public, etc.
Besides the above activities, the Institute operates the secretariat office of the Japan
Consortium for International Cooperation in Cultural
Heritage, a base organization for promoting thecoordination and collaboration of Japan's contribution
in this area.

■Organization●Department of Art Research, Archives and Information Systems
The Department of Art Research, Archives and Information Systems collects, preserves,
collates and publicizes information relating to cultural properties, and also undertakes researchon the development of effective methods for the transmission of information, with the aim of
expanding the scope of cultural property archives. At the same time, the Department aims torealize a new kind of information science through measures tackling issues of contemporary
relevance in the fields of cultural properties studies and art history research, etc. The
Department also takes the results obtained in these activities as the basis for managing theinformation systems and public relations activities of the Institute as a whole.

●Department of Intangible Cultural Heritage
The Department of Intangible Cultural Heritage conducts basic research useful for theconservation and transmission of intangible cultural heritage, focusing in particular on Japan’s
intangible cultural heritage, which includes intangible cultural properties, intangible folk-culturalproperties, and techniques for preserving cultural properties. Audiovisual documentation, asignificant Method for the conservation of intangible cultural heritage, is conducted and new
methods of documentation are also investigated.

Conference In Search of the Multiple
Origins of Namban Lacquer

Kobayashi Lion Dance of Kanpaku School,
Nikko City, Tochigi●Center for Conservation Science
The Center for Conservation Science implements surveys of cultural property materials,
construction and techniques, and undertakes research on the creation of environments suitable
for the conservation and display of cultural properties. The Center also seeks to introduce
new research methods. In addition, it conducts research into the improvement of restorationmaterials and techniques and into maintenance management methods. Moreover, the center
works closely with those who are actually engaged in the conservation and restoration ofcultural properties and their owners.

Restoration work for torii gate of Itsukushimajinja shrine using with the restorationmaterials, which have evaluated in this project●Japan Center for International Cooperation in Conservation
The Japan Center for International Cooperation in Conservation renders assistance to various
countries in Asian and other regions of the world through the conservation and restoration
projects of cultural heritage including technical transfer and human resource development.
It also promotes the cooperative networks with other relevant institutions, domestic andinternational, by organizing seminars and meetings. Collection and dissemination of information
on cultural heritage and its protection systems is another important task of the Center.
The center is commissioned with the management of the secretariat for the Japan
Consortium for International Cooperation in Cultural Heritage.

A survey of restoration materials for the
brick temple (Bagan, Myanmar)

16

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2017

■Seminar, Advice and Guidance
The Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties conducts various seminars and provides advice and guidance for the protection andutilization of cultural properties. Seminars and projects include International courses on conservation of Japanese paper, Training for museum curatorsin charge of conservation, Advice on safeguarding Intangible cultural properties, Inspection assistance and advice on the museum environments, andInvestigation and advice concerning conservation of cultural properties.

International Training Program Conservation
and Restoration of Paper in Latin America

Training for museum curators■Graduate School Education and Public Lectures
The Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties provides the results of its research to the public in
the hope of nurturing the next generation of experts and raising public interest. The institute has collaborated with
the Tokyo University of the Arts since 1995 and is in charge of its Preventive Conservation Course. In the public
lectures, the Department of Art Research, Archives and Information Systems, and the Department of Intangible
Cultural Heritage present their research achievements every year.

■Dissemination of Research Information

The 50th Public Lecture

The Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties is engaged in actively
communicating with the public and making the results of its diverse activities
accessible, including those of research and international cooperation. Publications
such as the Annual Report, Leaflet for the 8th Public Profile and TOBUNKENNEWS
are published, and the website of the institute is updated constantly

TOBUNKEN Resear ch
Collections（http://www.
tobunken.go.jp/archives/）■Publications

The Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties publishes periodicals such as The Bijutsu Kenkyu (The Journal of Art Studies), Yearbookof Japanese Art, Research and Reports on Intangible Cultural Heritage and Science for Conservation. It also publishes the results of various additional
research studies

The Bijutsu Kenkyu(Journal of Art Studies)

Brief History

Yearbook of Japanese Art

1930: Established as the institute of Art Research. an auxiliary organization of the Imperial
Academy of Fine Arts
1947: Affiliated with the national Museum
1950: Affiliated with the national Commission for Protection of Cultural Properties
1952: Reorganized and renamed as Tokyo Research Institute of Cultural Properties
1954: Renamed as Tokyo national Institute of Cultural Properties
1968: Affiliated with the Agency for Cultural Affairs
2000: Construction of new offices
2001: Restructured as the Independent Administrative Institution National Research Institute for Cultural Properties Tokyo
2007: Integrated into the Independent Administrative Institution National Institutes for
Cultural Heritage, as Tokyo National Research Institute for Cutural Properties

Research and Reports
on Intangible Cultural
Heritage

Science for Conservation

Facilities（m2）

Land Area
Building

4,181

Building Area
Gross Floor Area

2,258
10,516

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 201717

Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties

MATSUMURA Keiji
Director General
Nara National ResearchInstitute for Cultural
Properties

Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, an organization that engages in the studyof tangible cultural heritage, has conducted excavation research at the Nara and Fujiwara Palacesites, investigated cultural objects（such as historical documents, ancient architecture and gardens）and has also made efforts to preserve the Asuka region through its research and exhibition
programs. These activities contribute to academic exchanges, international support and the studyof cultural heritage in Japan and abroad. For example, they have resulted in ongoing joint research
partnerships with institutes in China and Korea. We also endeavor to develop new excavation technology and research methods as well as to provide technical training for local government specialists.
Our methods of preservation, restoration and maintenance that we developed to protect historical sites are not only appreciated by researchers in Japan, but are also utilized in excavations
globally. Our research activities are supported by our own
interdisciplinary joint research in different fields. It is our
responsibility to maximize the results of our efforts in the
research and preservation of cultural properties.

●Department of Planning and Coordination
The work of the Department of Planning and Coordination is assigned to five sections: the Planning and Coordination Section, the Data and Information Section, the International Cooperation
Section, the Exhibition Section and the Photography Section. These sections plan and organize
professional training programs for cultural heritage workers at local government agencies and other organizations, organize data systems and enhance related databases, arrange international joint
research projects and engage in international cooperation on archaeological sites, exhibit research
results at the Nara Palace Site Museum, and carry out photography and the development of newtechnology.

Gallery Talk activity at the Nara Palace
Site Museum●Department of Cultural Heritage
The Department of Cultural Heritage consists of the Historical Document Section, the Architectural History Section, the Cultural Landscape Section and the Site Stabilization Section. Thesesections conduct specialist and comprehensive research in the following areas respectively: calligraphy, ancient books and historical documents; historical and traditional architecture; culturallandscapes; and the maintenance of archaeological sites and historical gardens. The research
activities conducted by each section contribute, in a practical manner, to governmental activities
concerning the protection of cultural properties, such as the designation, selection, registration,conservation and management of properties. The Department also collaborates with, and provides
advice for, local public entities in regard to cultural property administration.

Providing guidance during restoration workon an archeological site

●Department of Imperial Palace Sites Investigations
The Department of Imperial Palace Sites Investigations is organized in five sections: the Archaeology Sections 1, 2 and 3, the History Section, and the Architectural Feature Section. These sections undertake interdisciplinary research on the basis of archeological excavations of ancient palaces, temples, tombs located in the Heijo area and in the Asuka and Fujiwara area. The research
results are publicized through presentations, reports and exhibitions; this research also contributes
to the preservation and effective utilization of these archeological remains.
【Department of Imperial Palace Sites Investigations（Heijo）】
This Department is in charge of excavation research at the Nara Palace Site (Special HistoricSite), where the imperial palace and government offices were located in the Nara period（710-784）.
Systematic research has been in progress since 1959 and over one-third of the 130 hectare site
has been excavated and surveyed so far. The finds from excavation at the sites of the palace andancient temples, such as architectural remains, wooden strips（used for writing messages on）,
earthenware vessels and ceramic tiles, have been verified with reference to historical records; thisempirical research on the Nara period undertaken by the Department has won widespread plaudits.
The Department also provides the results of its research on the Nara Palace Site to the Ministryof Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism（MLIT）as basic data to support the maintenance ofthe national Nara Palace Site Historical Park.

Excavation survey of the East Palace
Site, forming part of the Heijo Palace(Imperial Palace)【Department of Imperial Palace Sites Investigations（Asuka and Fujiwara）】
The Department is in charge of excavation research on the Asuka and Fujiwara area that constituted Japan’s political, economic and cultural center during the period between the 7th and early
8th centuries when the Japanese state was coming into being. The sites in the Asuka district
include: palaces and the residences of elite clans; the sites of temples such as Asukadera temple（the oldest Buddhist temple in Japan）; a workshop that produced ancient coins and glass; a water clock; and various tombs. To the north lies the site of the Fujiwara capital, the first large-scale
castle city in Japan, covering a vast area of more than five square kilometers. The interdisciplinary,
empirical research being conducted based on the excavations of these sites in the Asuka andFujiwara areas has made a major contribution towards helping to clarify the historical record of the
Asuka period.

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Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2017

T he dōban (hang ing ban ner) st andremains excavated at the Fujiwara
Palace Site and the reconstructed dōban

●Center for Archaeological Operations
The Center for Archaeological Operations consists of four sections, which undertake the research activities noted below. The Conservation Science Section studies and develops analyticalmethods for investigating the material and structure of archaeological objects in order to conduct
appropriate conservation and restoration work. The Environmental Archaeology Section studies
the remains of flora and fauna in order to simulate ancient environments and nature. The Dating
Section is advancing research in how to apply the methods of dendrochronology to the fields of archaeology, architectural history etc. The Archaeological Research Methodology Section researches technology for studying cultural properties as well as for measuring and surveying archaeological sites, and also undertakes disaster archeology research.

Survey using ground-penetrating radar(GPR) at the Itsukahara Kofun (burial tumulus) site (in Muko City, Kyoto Prefecture)●Asuka Historical Museum
The Asuka Historical Museum, a facility displaying historical materials from the Asuka area, wasestablished in 1975. The museum’s regular exhibitions display items excavated from palaces,stone structures, tombs and temple sites. The reconstructed portion of the eastern cloister of
Yamadadera temple and objects excavated around its site are also exhibited. The museum’s special exhibitions, held twice a year in spring and autumn, feature the unearthed cultural propertiesof the Asuka area and explore the history of the Asuka period. Special Feature Exhibitions are heldin summer and winter to showcase the multi-faceted research achievements of the Nara National
Research Institute for Cultural Properties.

Asuka Historical Museum●International Academic Exchange
Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties contributes to international exchange
and collaboration through activities such as joint research, exchange of researchers, technicaltraining, and conservation and restoration. It also participates in international cooperation projects
conducted by other institutions such as ACCU (Asia-Pacific Cultural Centre for UNESCO).
Ongoing projects are as follows: (1) Joint research with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences
into the Northern Wei Luoyang capital site, an ancient capital of the Northern Wei dynasty; (2)Joint research with the Archaeological Institute of Henan Province, China into the Huangye andBaihe kiln sites located in the city of Gongyi; (3) Joint research with the Archaeological Instituteof Liaoning Province, China into excavated artifacts belonging to the San-Yan Culture; (4) A
comparative study with the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage, Korea, of ancient
capitals of Japan and Korea, together with human resource exchanges at excavation projects;(5) Research and a conservation project, undertaken with Cambodia’s Authority for the Protection
and Management of Angkor and the Region of Siem Reap (APSARA), at the Western Prasat
Top, one of the historical sites of Angkor, together with human resource development; We havealso been commissioned by the Agency for Cultural Affairs to collaborate with the Departmentof Archaeology, National Museum and Library, Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture, Myanmar
on technology transfer and human resources development in the field of archaeology, especiallymethods of excavating archaeological sites and investigating artifacts from the site.

International project for conservation ofWestern Prasat Top, Angkor●Publications
Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties publishes periodicals such as Overview of Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, BULLETIN Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, NABUNKEN NEWS and CAO NEWS Centre for Archaeological Operations. It
also publishes the results of various additional research studies.

Brief History

1952: Nara Cultural Properties Research Institute（consistingof the General Affairs Division, the Historical Research
Division, the Architecture Research Division, and the Art
Research Division）is established at 50 Kasugano-cho,Nara City, as an auxiliany
Organization of the National Commission for the Properties
1954: Renamed as the Nara National Culttiral Palace Site in
Sakihigashi _machi, Nara City
1963: Heijo Palace Site Investigation Division is established
1968: Affillated with the Agency for Culthural Affairs（establish
1968）
1970: Nara Palace Site Museum opened
1973: Finance Section. Asuka/Fujiwara Palace Site Investigation
Division. And Asuka Historical Museum estabilished
1974: Department of General Affairs and the Center for
Archaeological Operations established
1975: Asuka Historical Museum opened at Okuyama in Asuka
village. Nara
1980: Art Research Division transferred to the Research Center
for Buddhist Art. Nara National Museum
1980: Relocated to Nijo_cho. Nara City.
Heijo Palace Site In vestigation Division And the Center for
Archaeclogical operations are transferred together to the
new site
1988: New headquarters building of Asuka/Fujiwara Palace
Site Investigation Division built at 94-1 Kinomoto- cho.
Kashihara City
2001: Restructured as the Independent Administrative Institution
National Research Institute for Cultural Properties. Nara
2007: Integrated into the Independent Administrative Institution
National Institute for Cultural Heritage. As the Nara
National Research Institute For Cultural Properties.
2013: Reiocated to temporary Premises Iocated at 247-1 Sakicho. Nara City. While the original head office site is being
redeveloped.

Facilities（m2）
Land Area

Area of Headquarters

Building
Building Area
Gross Floor Area
8,860
Currently under reconstruction

Area of Nara Palace Site
MuseumLocated on government-owned Building Arealand, rent fees waivered Gross Floor Area

13,32821,395

Area of Department of Imperial
Palace Sites Investigations(Asuka and Fujiwara)

Building Area
20,515 Gross Floor Area

6,016
9,477

Area of Asuka HistoricalMuseumBuilding Area
17,093 Gross Floor Area

2,657
4,404

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 201719

International Research Centre for Intangible
Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region（IRCI）
At the UNESCO General Conference of October 2009, approval was given to Japan to establish aninternational centre for intangible cultural heritage in the Asia-Pacific region. After the Japanese government
concluded an agreement with UNESCO in August 2010, the International Research Centre for Intangible
Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region (IRCI) was founded in Sakai City, in October 2011, as a Category 2
Centre under the auspices of UNESCO (institutions that serve to contribute to the achievement of UNESCO’s
strategic objectives).
IRCI’s objectives are to promote the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural
Heritage (ICH) and its implementation, and to enhance the safeguarding of ICH through instigating, facilitating,and coordinating research in the Asia-Pacific region. Today, many elements of ICH are endangered throughout
the world due to the various factors. IRCI collaborates with universities and research institutions in Japan and
the Asia-Pacific region to promote research on the practices and methodologies of ICH safeguarding.

IWAMOTO Wataru
Director-General
International ResearchCentre for Intangible
Cultural Heritage in the
Asia-Pacific Region■Activities in FY 2016
IRCI’s activities are in accordance with its medium-term programme endorsed by the IRCI
Governing Board, which are also in line with UNESCO’s strategic objectives. IRCI aims topromote research for ICH safeguarding through its activities, following the research focusesas listed below, while contributing to the enhancement of ICH safeguarding with Japan’s longterm experiences in cultural heritage management.
1.

Promoting Research for ICH Safeguarding

2.

Research on Endangered ICH and Disaster-Risk Management

3.

Cooperation with Sakai City for Promoting ICH

In FY 2016, IRCI conducted the following activities:●Activity Focus 1 : Promoting Research for ICH Safeguarding
1.

IRCI Experts Meeting on the Mapping Project for ICH Safeguarding in the Asia-PacificRegionInternational Experts Meeting of Mapping
Project (November 2016, Sakai City, Osaka,
Japan)IRCI held an international meeting with experts from 14 countries in the Asia-Pacificregion to discuss current conditions and issues related to ICH safeguarding research(18-19 November 2016, Sun Square Sakai, Sakai City, Osaka, Japan).
2.

Literature Surveys
IRCI conducted literature surveys for 11 countries in cooperation with local research
institutions. 24 countries have been investigated thus far, together with the surveys
conducted the previous year. Cooperation with local institutions has enabled access in
gaining information including literature and reports written in the local language.

３.

Research Database on ICH Safeguarding in the Asia-Pacific Region
For the purpose of making widely available the research information collected in the past
years, IRCI has been managing an online research database since 25 September 2014,
which currently consists of over 2,000 entries (http://www.irci.jp/ichdb/).

●Activity Focus 2 : Research on Endangered ICH and Disaster Risk Management
1.

Study of Legal Systems Related to Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Greater Mekong
RegionMany countries in the Mekong region have difficulties in developing legal systems
related to ICH safeguarding. Therefore, this project aims to meet the demands of suchcountries and strengthen the legal and policy framework related to ICH safeguarding in
the region. IRCI in collaboration with Kyushu University (Graduate School of Law) held aworkshop on current legal conditions and related analysis, attended by researchers and20

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2017

Workshop on Study of Legal Systems Related
to Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Greater
Mekong Region (December 2016, Viet Nam)law related government officials from 5 countries in the region such as Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. The workshop concluded with an outcomeof recommendations with a draft “tool kit for planning legal mechanisms” (17-19 December 2016, Vietnam National Institute of Culture and Arts
Studies, Viet Nam). These outcomes will be edited and be published in the near future not only in English but also in 5 other languages such as
Vietnamese, Khmer, Myanmar, Thai, and Lao languages.
2.

Research on ICH and Disaster-Risk Management
Asia-Pacific countries are frequently exposed to various natural hazards, including earthquakes, tsunamis, cyclones, floods, and volcanic eruptions, all of which have severe impacts. Given such circumstances, there has been a growing international awareness regarding the disasterrisk management of cultural heritage, as the new framework of disaster-risk management “Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction
2015-2030” adopted at the 3rd UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction includes the importance of safeguarding cultural heritage.
Nevertheless, practical measures to safeguard ICH in the process of disaster reduction, mitigation, and recovery have yet to be outlined.
IRCI conducted reconnaissance surveys in 6 countries such as Vanuatu, Fiji, Viet Nam, and the Philippines, all of which have been affected bynatural disasters in the past 10 years. Furthermore, an international working group session was held with Asia-Pacific researchers regarding
impacts of natural disasters, roles ICH could play in the preparedness and recovery, and further project activities (30 January 2017, Tokyo National Museum, Tokyo, Japan).

Discussion at National Commission for Culture
and the Arts on natural disasters and ICH (July
2016, Philippines)

Preliminary Research on ICH Safeguarding andDisaster-Risk Management in the Asia-PacificRegion: International Working Group Session(January 2017, Tokyo, Japan)●Activity Focus 3 : Cooperation with Sakai City for Promoting ICH
International Symposium on ICH Safeguarding in the Asia-Pacific Region: Transmitting Art and Spirit of ICH
In celebration of its 5th anniversary, IRCI in cooperation with Sakai City held a public symposium on the importance to safeguard and transmit ICH to
the next generation, attracting over 200 attendees. The event included a keynote lecture by Mr Koïchiro Matsuura as well as a panel discussion onvarious case studies on transmitting ICH with researchers from Japan, Malaysia, and Cambodia (19 November 2016, Sun Square Sakai, Sakai City,
Osaka, Japan).
●Communications and Publicity
IRCI published the following reports in order to disseminate information about its activities:
１.

IRCI Brochure (Japanese and English)

２. Research for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage on the Verge of Extinction: Vietnamese ICH Element Dong Ho Woodblock Printing (English)
３.

Proceedings of 2016 IRCI Experts Meeting on the Mapping Project for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-PacificRegion (English)

４.

International Symposium on ICH Safeguarding in the Asia-Pacific Region: Transmitting Art and Spirit of ICH (Japanese)５.

Study of Legal Systems Related to Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Greater Mekong Region: Final Report (English)

International Symposium on ICH Safeguarding
in the Asia-Pacific Region: Transmitting Art
and Spirit of ICH (November 2016, Sakai City,
Osaka, Japan)

Brief History

Oct . 2009 : Establishment of IRCI authorized at the UNESCO General Conference
Aug. 2010: Agreement for the establishment of IRCI concluded between the Japanese
government and UNESCO
Mar. 2011: Agreement for the opening of IRCI concluded between Sakai City and the National
Institutes for Cultural Heritage
Apr . 2011: Establishment of the preparatory office for IRCIOct. 2011: Official opening of IRCI

Facilities
Buildings（m2）
Building Area
Gross Floor Area

Number of Rooms

244.67244.67
4※The building is leased from Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture.

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 201721

Ⅳ Reference Materials
Directors（AS OF APRIL 1, 2017, titles omitted）
HAYASHIDA Suma: Director（Outside）
KURUSHIMA Noriko: Auditor（Outside）
NAKAMOTO Fuminori: Auditor（Outside）

MATSUMURA Keiji: President (and Executive Director of the Nara
National Research Institute for Cultural Properties)
IKEHARA Mitsuhiro: Director

Special Advisory Board（AS OF APRIL 1, 2017, titles omitted）
We have a board of special advisors, consisting of professionals drawn from outside the institutes, to gather various opinions from many fields
concerning the management of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage. The mission of the Board of Special Advisors is to discuss important issues about the management of the Institutes and give advice to the Chairperson of the Board. The number of board members is set at
20, and each member serves renewable 2-year terms.
TANABE Ikuo: President, Osaka Center for Cultural Heritage
DAN Fumi: Actress
NISHITAKATSUJI Nobuyoshi: Head Priest, Dazaifu Tenman-gu
ShrineFUJII Joji: Professor Emeritus, Kyoto University
FURUSE Natsuko: Professor, Faculty of Core Research Humanities
Division, Ochanomizu University
YANAGIHARA Masaki: President, Independent Administrative Institution National Museum of Art
YAMAMOTO Shinichiro: Grand Steward, Imperial Household Agency

ANDO Hiroyasu: President, Japan Foundation
IMAMURA Mineo: Professor Emeritus, National Museum ofJapanese History: Emeritus Proffessor, The
Graduade Univeisity for Advanced Studies
UEHARA Mahito: Executive Director, Tatsuuma Archeological Museum
KAMII Monsho: Head Priest, Byodoin Temple
KARAIKE Koji: Representative Director and Chairman of the Board,
Kyushu Railway Company
KINOSHITA Naoyuki: Professor, Graduate School of Humanities andSociology, University of Tokyo
SATO Teiichi: Former Permanent Delegate of Japan to UNESCOSHIMIZU Mazumi: Executive Director, Mitsui Memorial Museum

External Evaluation Board（AS OF APRIL 1, 2017, titles omitted）
Besides implementing self-evaluation of the Institutes’ operational, survey and research performance, The National Institutes for Cultural Heritage have also established an External Evaluation Board of external experts to verify the Institutes’ assessment of their own performance.（Renewable 2-year terms）
SAKAMOTO Hiroko: Executive Director (Cultural Projects and Business Development) of the Asahi Shimbun
Company, Representative of the Nagoya Main
BranchSATO Makoto: Professor, Graduate School of Humanities and Sociology, University of Tokyo
TAMAMUSHI Satoko: P r o f e s s o r , C o l l e g e o f A r t a n d D e s i g n ,Musashino Art University
NAGOYA Akira: Vice Director, The Gotoh Museum
HAMADA Hiroaki: Professor, J. F. Oberlin University
FUJITA Haruhiko: Professor Emeritus, Osaka University
YANAGIBAYASHI Osamu: Former Member of the Editorial Board,
The Yomiuri Shimbun

KOBAYASHI Tadashi: Professor Emeritus, Gakushuin University;
Executive Director, OKADA MUSEUM OF（Chairperson）
ART
KAWAI Masatomo: Professor Emeritus, Keio University; Executive（Vice-Chairperson） Director, Chiba City Museum of Art
AYUKAWA Masaaki: Certified Public Accountant
ISHIKAWA Hideshi: Professor, School of Arts and Letters, Meiji
University
OKADA Yasuyoshi: Professor, Institute for Cultural Studies ofAncient Iraq, Kokushikan University
SAITO Tsutomu: Professor, Research Department, National Museum of Japanese History
SAKAKIBARA Satoru: Director, Okazaki City Museum

Number of Staff
Division
Total

Number of
staff

Administrative
staff

Technical andsecurity staff

Specialists

Curators/
Researchers
185

337

129

20

3

National Institutes for Cultural Heritage Secretariat

23

22

0

0

1

Tokyo National Museum

98

34

12

2

50

Kyoto National Museum

37

18

4

0

15

Nara National Museum

33

15

4

0

14

Kyushu National Museum

26

8

0

0

18

Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties

41

7

0

0

34

Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties

76

23

0

1

52

3

2

0

0

1

International Research Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage
in the Asia-Pacific Region（Figures as of April 1, 2017）22

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2017

Organizational Chart （As of April 1, 2017）
President

AuditorNational Task Force for the Japanese
Cultural Heritage Disasfer Risk
Mitigation Network

National Institutes for Cultural
Heritage Secretariat

Audit oﬃce
Directors
Vice Director

Research Coordinator
Director
Secretary - General
General Aﬀairs
Financial Aﬀairs
Accounting
Facilities and Operations Division

Kyoto National
MuseumTokyo National
MuseumExecutive
Director

Director
GeneralExecutive
Vice Director

Deputy Director
GeneralAdministration
Department
GeneralAffairs Division
Accounting
Division
Facilities andOperations
Division
Curatorial
Planning
Department
Planning
Division
Education
Division
Informatics
Division
Public Relations
and Press
Editors Office forthe 150―Year
History of Tokyo
National Museum
Curatorial Research
Department
Collections
Management
Division
Research
Division
Conservation
Division
SpecialResearch Chair

Nara National
MuseumExecutive
Director
Executive
Vice Director

Administrative
Division
Curatorial
Division
Chief
Curators

GeneralAﬀairs Division
Curatorial
Division
SpecialResearch Chair

Kyushu National
MuseumExecutive
Director
Executive
Vice Director

Tokyo National
Research Institute forCultural Properties

Nara National ResearchInstitute forCultural Properties

International ResearchCentre for Intangible
Cultural Heritage in
the Asia-Pacific Region

Director
General

Director
General

Director
GeneralDeputy Director
GeneralGeneralAﬀairs Division
Curatorial
Board
Planning Division
MuseumScience
Division
Cultural
Properties
Division

Department ofResearch
Support andPromotion

Department ofResearch,
Support andPromotion

Management
SectionAdministration
Division

Department of
Art ResearchArchives andInformation
Systems

Collaboration
Promotion
Division

Department ofIntangible
Cultural
Heritage
Center forConservation
Science

Asian Cultural
Exchange Center※※ Kyushu National
Museum is
managed incooperation with
Fukuoka Prefecture

Deputy Director
GeneralJapan Center forInternational
Cooperation inConservation

Deputy Director
GeneralResearch
SupportDivision
Department ofPlanning and
Coordination
Department ofCultural Heritage
Department ofImperial Palace
Site Investigations
Center for
Archaeological
Operations
Asuka
HistoricalMuseumBudgetFiscal 2017 Budget
Revenue

Source（Unit: JPY1,000）
Fiscal 2017

Fiscal 2016

Self-generated Income

1,575,706

1,474,731

Government funding for operating expenses

8,325,430

8,387,941

Income from commissioned projects
Grant for facilities improvement

587,444576,849

1,779,609

1,334,381

Others (Donations, etc.)

439,574

350,531

Total

12,707,763

12,124,433

Expenditure（Unit: JPY1,000）
PurposeOperational expenses

Fiscal 2017

Fiscal 2016
9,901,136

9,862,672

Personnel

3,448,128

3,472,102

Supply costs

6,453,008

6,390,570

Expenses for commissioned projects
Facility improvement

587,444576,849

1,779,609

1,334,381

Others (Donations, etc.)

439,574

350,531

Total

12,707,763

12,124,433

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 201723

Income from External Sources
Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research（2017）①

Fiscal 2017

Number of
projects②

AmountNumber of projects（Unit：JPY1,000）

National Institutes
for Cultural Heritage
Secretariat
Tokyo National Museum

0

0

12

51,690

Kyoto National Museum

2

9,230

Nara National Museum
Kyushu National Museum

1
4

2,470
16,380Tokyo National ResearchInstitute for Cultural
Properties

10

Nara National ResearchInstitute for Cultural
Properties
International ResearchCentre for Intangible
Cultural Heritage in the
Asia-Pacific Region
Total

Multi-year Fund Fiscal 2017

0

Amount（Unit: JPY1,000）

（０）

0

8

（１）

6

（０）

4
4

28,61017

Funding forCommissioned Work
（Fiscal 2016）
Number of
projects

Research Grants（Fiscal 2016）

Amount（Unit: JPY1,000）

Number of
projects

Amount（Unit: JPY1,000）

1

29,227

1

186,000

11,180347,854

3

28,112

5,590

0

0

1

3,810

（１）
（０）

6,370
4,160

0
3

0
26,8255
0

10,100014（２）17,550

12

158,1073

5,125

92,01042（５）43,68041

345,648

10

6,680

0

0

0

（０）

0

1

51,380

1

5,000

46

200,39078（9）88,53061

659,04124

244,827※The amount of ① is the appropriation amount as of April, 2017.
※In the case of projects that extend over multiple fiscal years, the amount given under ② shows the amount allocated to that year when the decision to provide
the grant was first made.
※With regard to research topics for which both ① and ② were awarded (partial funding), the number of projects is included under the respective totals for ① and②; the figure given in parentheses for ② is the number of projects for which both types of Grants-in-Aid were awarded. Please note that the figures given include
indirect expenses.
※Funding for commissioned work excludes commissions from the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage.

Information about Donation and Membership○Financial Donations and Cultural Property Donations【Financial Donations】

Independent Administrative Institutions are mainly administered through national grants for operational costs and facilities improvement.
However, difficult financial conditions and the streamlining of operations makes it necessary to receive outside funds as well. The National
Institutes for Cultural Heritage is no exception and we also need to secure other funding sources besides income from admission fees. For
these reasons, we welcome financial support from a wide range of organizations and individuals.
The National Institutes for Cultural Heritage has been designated by the National Tax Agency as a Special Public-Interest Promotion
Corporation. This means that donations to our institutions（by organizations or individuals）are eligible for more generous income and corporate
tax deductions than donations to regular private entities.

▲

Income tax

When donating to a Special Public-Interest Promotion Corporation, individuals can deduct part of this donation from their taxable income,using either the “Donation Deduction” system or the “Tax Credit” system, whichever is more beneficial to that particular individual.
A FY2010 amendment to the tax law reduced the minimum annual tax-deductible donation amount from 5,000 yen to 2,000 yen, so any
individual who donates more than 2,000 yen annually to Special Public-Interest Promotion Corporations will be eligible for a tax deduction. As
a result, a donor will be able to deduct a donation amount of up to 40% of total income（minus 2,000 yen）when calculating income tax.
*Please note that tax deductions for donations may also be available with respect to individual Resident Tax, depending on the regulations
adopted by the local authority for the area where the individual taxpayer is officially resident.

▲

Corporate tax

When donating to a Special Public-Interest Promotion Corporation, corporate entities can count the donation amount as a deductible expense
separate from other general donations. Furthermore, the reform of the tax system in December 2011 raised the ceiling for the amount of
donations that could be included as deductible expenses. As a result, the maximum amount of donations that can be counted as special
deductible expenses =（amount of capital × 0.375（formerly 0.25）+ 6.25% of income（formerly 5%））× 1/2 (Where the business year covers aperiod of less than one full calendar year, the calculation must be performed on a pro-rata basis according to a specified number of months. Also,
please note that the calculation formula is different in the case of corporations that do not have capital stock (such as NPOs, etc.)【Cultural Property Donations】

The National Institutes for Cultural Heritage is engaged in the preservation, management, research and display of cultural properties. In
addition to purchasing these cultural properties systematically, we also accept donations from individuals or organizations.

For further information about donations, please contact the following departments:
Institution

Financial Donations

Cultural Property Donations

Phone Numbers

Accounting, Administration
Department

Collections Management,
Curatorial Research Department

03-3822-1111

Financial Affairs

Department of Registration andImage Archives

075-541-1151

Nara National Museum

Accounts

Department of Exhibition and
Education

0742-22-7772
0742-22-7774

Kyushu National Museum

Financial Affairs, General Affairs
Division

Collection Registration, Cultural
Properties Division092-918-2807

Department of Research Support and Promotion, Planning Section

03-3823-2249

Department of Research Support and Promotion, Administration Division0742-30-3916

General Affairs Section

072-275-8050

National Institutes for Cultural Heritage Secretariat, Financial Affairs

03-3822-2439

Tokyo National Museum
Kyoto National Museum

Tokyo National ResearchInstitute for Cultural
Properties
Nara National ResearchInstitute for Cultural
Properties
International ResearchCentre for Intangible Cultural
Heritage in the Asia-PacificRegion (IRCI)
Inquiries not specifying
institutions

24

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2017

○MembershipTokyo National Museum and Nara National Museum are supported by the Supporting Member system, while Kyoto National
Museum is supported by the Seifukai Association.
To encourage people to visit our museums more frequently, Tokyo National Museum, Kyoto National Museum, Nara National
Museum and Kyushu National Museum have all established their own membership systems. In addition, to mark the 10th
anniversary of the establishment of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, a new “National Museums Members Pass”
system has been established, which applies to all four National Museums. We welcome new members at any time of the year.
Tokyo National Museum

Kyoto National Museum

Name
AnnualMembership
Fee

Nara National Museum

Kyushu National Museum

National Museum Members Pass
Regular2,000 Yen (tax included)

Student

1,000 Yen (tax included)

Permanent
Exhibitions

Tokyo National Museum: Regular Exhibitions
Kyoto National Museum: Collection Galleries
Nara National Museum: Exhibition from the Permanent Collection
Kyushu National Museum: Cultural Exchange Exhibition• On showing your Members Pass, you can view any of these permanent exhibitions
an unlimited number of times (this applies only to the person in whose name theMembers Pass is registered)Special
Exhibitions

Members Pass holders can view special exhibitions held at any of the four National
Museums an unlimited number of times at a specially discounted ticket price.
• On showing your Members Pass at a National Museum ticket oﬃce, you can purchasea special exhibition ticket at the group ticket price (this applies only to the person inwhose name the Members Pass is registered)• Students can purchase a special exhibition ticket at the student price, which is thesame as the group ticket price (this applies only to the person in whose name theMembers Pass is registered)SpecialPrivileges

How to Apply

You can apply for a Members Pass at one of the National Museum ticket oﬃces, or bypost, using postal remittance.

For More Information

General Aﬀairs Section General Aﬀairs Section
General Aﬀairs Section
Membership System
Business Promotion
General Aﬀairs Section
Planning Oﬃcer
ManagerOﬃcer
092︲918︲2807
0742︲22︲4450
03︲3822︲1111
075︲531︲7504

Campus Members System

Each of the four National Museums has its own membership programs for universities and colleges. These programs are aimed
at deepening cooperation with institutions of higher education and providing opportunities for their students to become familiar
with the National Museums. Members can enjoy various privileges, including free admission to regular exhibitions, for a yearly
membership fee corresponding to the number of students.

○Venue Rental

Each of the National Museums makes its facilities available as unique venues for MICE
(Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) events. From corporate parties tointernational conventions, the museum facilities can be used for a wide range of activities.

○Diversifying Visitor Experiences

To diversify visitor experiences, opening hours at the national museums are extended on
Fridays and Saturdays, and various nighttime events are held. Eﬀorts are being taken to
facilitate understanding
for foreign tourists, suchas adding multilingual
information labels and audio
guides at exhibition galleries,
namely in English, Chineseand Korean.

Flyer to promote extended
hours at Kyushu National
Museum

Nighttime event at Tokyo
National Museum: Open Cinema
Viewing (July 16, 2016)

Cartier Magicien event (FY2016)
At Tokyo National Museum

Multilingual information label at
Nara National Museum

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, ₂₀₁₇25

Tokyo National Research Institutefor Cultural Properties

JR U
gu
Statiisudanion

National Institutes for
Cultural Heritage Secretariat

International
Library ofWest Gate
Children’s
Literature
KurodaMemorial Hall
◀ To Tokyo
Metro Nezu
StationTOKYO NATIONAL
MUSEUM
Main Gate

National Science
MuseumTokyo Metropolitan
Art Museum

Fountain
Police Box

Ueno park

Tokyo Metropolitan
Festival HallPark Exit

JR UenoStationUeno Zoo

National Museumof Western Art

N

Tokyo Metro
Ueno Station

Keisei Ueno
StationAccess:（JR Line）10 min. from Ueno or Uguisudani Station（Ginza or Hibiya Tokyo Metro Line）15 min. from Ueno Station（Chiyoda Tokyo Metro Line）15 min. from Nezu Station（Keisei Line）15 min. from Keisei Ueno Station

13-9 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 110-8712
Phone: +81-3-3822-1196

URL: http://www.nich.go.jp/